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WELCOME As a child, I was obsessed with stationery. Between me and my sisters, we had a complete set of flavoured gel pens (my personal favourite being the popcorn: as adult I’m baffled as to why you need a cream-coloured pen?) so when back-to-school season set in, it was always a race to see who could get to the shop’s pencil cases shelves the fastest. Each new academic year deserves some educational treats, and we’ve had a ball at Little London HQ putting together our back-to-school shopping pages – see for yourself on page 20. And what better place to show off your new satchel than a school trip? Our fashion shoot, taken at Dreamland Margate, celebrates a jolly outing − check it out on page 32. Memories of day trips bring back fond memories of hours learning about the old and new and being given impromptu tests by mum and dad on the car journey home. Louise Pyne replaces screen time with some traditional games to play at home with the kids that instil patience, thinking and sharing in younger ones: learn more on page 82. This cosy time of year always means more cooking and baking, so this issue Annabel Karmel has kindly shared one of her favourite sweet treats (p.61) – the no-sugar chocolate orange energy balls – these healthy alternatives are the perfect pick-me-ups for after-school unwinding. Autumn also means things are about to get spooky. I’m a sucker for a good Halloween party, and Carole Middleton reveals all her ghoulishly great tricks (and treats) on page 48. And if you’ve got an autumn-born baby, we’ve got a whopper of a competition for a kids’ party. We’ve paired up with the KidZania London team to offer a stress-free celebration worth £825 – don’t miss out on page 17. Happy reading!
RE BECCA MOORE , ACTING E DITOR A n d a fe w of my favour ite th ing s at the mom e nt…
ANNE-CLAIRE PETIT STOOL £85 CUCKOOLAND.COM
COTTON SKIRT £70 CARAMEL-SHOP.CO.UK
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WOODEN STOOL £61 BONTON.FR
5
PADDED JACKET £24.99 LINDEX.COM
VELVET BACKPACK £79.95 SCOTCH-SODA.COM
CHRISTMAS IS A MAGICAL TIME TO CELEBRATE TOGETHER AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL FATHER CHRISTMAS AT THE HALL
HOME ALONE IN CONCERT
MY CHRISTMAS ORCHESTRAL ADVENTURE
CAROLS AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL
Thursday 22 November - Saturday 22 December Saturday 15 December
'THE SNOWMAN™' AND 'PADDINGTON BEAR™' Thursday 20 December
Saturday 22 December
Sunday 23 - Monday 24 December
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Friday 28 - Monday 31 December
Call: 020 7589 8212 royalalberthall.com/christmas
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C O N T E N TAutSumn 2 018 FE ATU R ES
68 MOVING MOUNTAINS
17 WIN ! A KIDS’ PARTY AT KIDZANIA LONDON Take the stress out of planning your child’s birthday celebrations with our competition
26 MY LITTLE LONDON Singer and presenter Rochelle Humes talks
Kate Freud hits the slopes of Switzerland with her husband and two children
EDUCATION 74 EDUCATION NEWS Keeping you in the know with everything going on in the classroom and beyond
fussy eating and family life
28 BRAIN TRAINERS Expand your child’s mind with these
76 TEAM SPIRIT Becky Dickinson investigates whether team sports are the key to positive mental health
inspiring reads from Emma O’Donovan
44 MAKING MOTHERHOOD WORK Julia Roberts opens up about the joys, fears
79 OUT OF FOCUS If your child finds it hard to concentrate, it could be the sign of an underlying issue
and tears that come with raising three kids
82 THE STATE OF PLAY 50 SISTER ACT
Ditch screentime in favour of classic games
We chat to Marina Fogle and Dr Chiara Hunt about their latest venture, hosting The Parent Hood podcast
61 NO - SUGAR CHOCOLATE ORANGE ENERGY BALLS
to help catapult your child’s development
R EGUL A R S 13 LITTLE NEWS The latest on all things big in kid world
Annabel Karmel shares her healthy twist on
16 DIARY
chocolate truffles
What’s going on in the capital over the
62 THE ESSENTIAL EIGHT
next two months
Louise Pyne reveals the eight superfoods your little one should be eating regularly
SHO PPIN G & ST YLE 19 LITTLE LOVES This charming book takes young readers on a journey through the history of art
20 FALL FORWARD Keep kids feeling cosy and looking cool
30 INSTA INSPO We catch up with Make Motherhood Diverse co-founder Candice Brathwaite
48 PARTY TIME WITH CAROLE MIDDLETON Plan your own Halloween-inspired party
55 INTERIOR NEWS Inspiring finds from brands big and small
with these stylish autumn buys
56 GET CRAFTY 32 BIG DAY OUT
Seasonal activities to keep kids busy
Embrace all the fun of the fairground with characterful casuals and colourful stripes
The latest foodie finds for your mini diners
T R AVEL
85 AGENDA
65 TRAVEL NEWS
The best family events happening in
What’s new in the world of family travel? PHOTOGRAPHY: LEONIE FREEMAN MODEL: KIARA JUMPER, £94, STELLA MCCARTNEY KIDS KNITTED MEDAL, £38, OEUF NYC
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
59 FOOD NEWS
66 POSTCARD FROM SARDINIA
London this autumn
90 THE BUSINESS
Tina Hobley heads to Forte Village for an
Behind the scenes with Kirsten Harris,
active family holiday
designer and owner of Bob & Blossom
7
THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS LEONIE FREEMAN
EMMA O'DONOVAN
Photographer
Journalist Where do you live?
Where do you live?
Walthamstow, North East London.
I live in Dorking in Surrey, which is famous for its awardwinning butchers!
Favourite subject at school?
Art.
How are you spending Halloween?
My son is obsessed with scary fancy dress, so I’m having a Halloween fancy dress disco with my children at home, before we go out ‘trick or treating’ with friends! Leonie captures our Big Day Out shoot on p.32
Favourite subject at school?
Art and illustration, but sadly I don’t get much time to draw these days.
How are you spending Halloween?
I’ll be hosting a ‘Day of the Dead’ party at home for my son and his friends. Emma rounds up the best inspiring reads for little readers on p.28
little london EDITORIAL
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Seven-year-old Isaac lives in Tottenham with mum Hafiza, dad Humroy, and his six-year-old sister, Soraia. Fluent in both English and Creole, bilingual Isaac loves playing board games and Lego – and he’s never too far from a football pitch! 10
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PHOTOGRAPHY TAKEN FOR KIDS ACTING SHOWREEL.
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NEWS
little NEWS Updating you on all things big in kid world
STYLE OUT SEPTEMBER
From school days to extra-curricular life, J.Crew’s range has kids’s essentials nailed
If your little one’s less than excited about back-to-school season, J.Crew’s ubercool new collection should capture their enthusiasm! Kit them out with stay-cool lunchboxes, patterned pencil cases and custom-designed backpacks, plus stretch denim, vibrant trainers and stackable bracelets that are perfect for after-school adventures. jcrew.com
Design-led children’s trade show Dot to Dot London has announced that it’ll be moving to The Crypt on the Green in Clerkenwell Design District for its AW19 event, running from 1 to 2 February 2019. dottodotlondon.com LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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NEWS
COMIC EFFECT
Ted Baker has teamed up with the iconic Beano Studios to create a unique new childrenswear range exclusive to Debenhams. The capsule collection, which includes a vibrant range of colourful slogan T-shirts, hoodies, polo shirts and loungewear, features some of the historic comic’s most-loved and famous characters, including Dennis the Menace and his canine accomplice, Gnasher. debenhams.com
Pyjama party
Comfy PJs are essential for little ones, so it’s no surprise that Yolke’s debut childrenswear collection has garnered lots of attention. Launching exclusively with Harrods and Selfridges, the super-soft, lightweight sleepwear comes in a variety of prints, from classic stripes and polka dots to pretty florals. Look out for cat prints later year, too. yolke.co.uk
Boots has introduced a private chickenpox vaccination service to protect children as young as one. The service, which is rolling out to 30 stores across the UK, will be available to those who can’t get vaccinated on the NHS. boots.com
TI M E FO R TE E P E E
Muddy Boots offers the ultimate kids’ sleepover experience. Luxury packages include individually-themed teepees, bedding, cushions, fairy lights and much more. They’ll deliver, set up and collect the next day. From £190, muddyboots-sleepovers.com
Lighten the load
Scamp & Dude and Tiba + Marl have joined forces to create a chic range of children’s backpacks and lunch packs. Featuring Scamp & Dude’s iconic leopard and lightning bolt prints, pieces come in monochrome or mint green, with neon coral rubber zip pullers. From £25, scampanddude.com
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WOO LLE N WO N D E R S
Known for its super-soft merino wool clothing, Smalls has unveiled a range of cosy kids’ knits. Bursting with rich winter hues and stylish gender-neutral pieces, the brand’s super-fine materials are also proven to reduce the severity of eczema in children. lovemysmalls.com
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
NEWS SWEATSHIRT £14.99 ZARA.COM
G I R L P OWE R
VINYL FIGURE £10.99 POPINABOX.CO.UK
BACKPACK £50 SHOPDISNEY.COM
After nearly a decade of producing high quality women’s clothing, luxury fashion brand Mint Velvet is launching a brand new collection of childrenswear this September. Mintie, which is targeted at girls aged three to 10, features a mix of cute and modern designs with playful details, slogans and motifs – from cosy knits and print dresses to skinny jeans and uber-cool biker jackets. mintvelvet.co.uk
ANNIVERSARY ANTHOLOGY £20 AMAZON.CO.UK
A bear necessity
Everyone’s favourite marmalade lover turns 60 this October, and to celebrate, heritage toy company Steiff has launched a limited edition life-size Paddington, based on Peggy Fortnum’s original illustrations and made from the finest mohair. There will also be 28cm and 60cm toys made from woven plush available. From £169, steiff.com
MINI MELISSA JELLY TRAINERS £68 CHILDRENSALON.COM
ADEN + ANAIS COTTON BLANKET £60 CHILDRENSALON.COM
Happy birthday, Mickey!
He may not look a day over 45, but this November sees Walt Disney’s most famous animated character Mickey Mouse turn 90 years old. To mark this exciting occasion, several fashion brands have released limited edition collections featuring iconic artwork of the much-loved mouse from. We love The Disney Store’s adorable mini Mickey backpack – which one is your favourite?
G E T YO U R KI CKS
We love the #throwback vibes coming from Lacoste’s new AW18 footwear collection. Channelling the brand’s famous tennis heritage, this season’s latest offerings comprise stylish metallic shades, playful croc prints and classic comfort, with piqué mesh linings to keep little feet warm throughout winter. From £27.50, lacoste.com
Fatface is releasing its first cotton bedding range, with character sets perfect for kitting out kids’ bedrooms. You’ll find selected styles in John Lewis from September, and the full range will be in Fatface and Next from October. fatface.com LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
15
RUNNING HEAD
Skate into winter with a visit to The Natural History Museum’s open-air ice rink NHMSKATING.COM
Chefs cookery class from 9am to 12pm. Perfect for kids aged five to 12, the session’s designed to introduce children to all sorts of flavours and textures, as they learn about ingredients and cook a nutritious and delicious dish from scratch. £50 per child, daylesford.com
DIARY
25
What to do and where to go in the capital over the next two months
September
Through storytelling and live music, families will learn about their effect on the environment, protecting wildlife and how to save the planet. hightide.org.uk
1
Head to The Vaults in Lambeth for an immersive experience that brings to life Walt Disney’s Fantasia. Sounds and Sorcery celebrates the iconic film by inviting audiences to enter the tunnels beneath Waterloo, where – wearing headphones – they’ll be treated to an unforgettable 96-piece orchestra performance. The show closes on 30 September. From
£30, soundsandsorcery.com
October
I SAW IT FIRST! JUNGLE GAME £19.99, LAURENCEKING.COM
12
Today’s your last chance to have your say in our Little London Awards. Don’t miss the chance to vote for your favourite parenting brands, as you could have a shot at winning a year’s family membership to Harbour Club Kensington!
13
Thousands will be taking part in the RBC Race for the Kids event today at Hyde Park, which aims to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital. The fun run will see people of all ages jog, walk, scoot, wheel or race around the 5k course in support of the world-famous hospital. gosh.
littlelondonmagazine.co.uk
21
Award-winning family show Me & My Bee will play at Walthamstow High Tide Festival in a performance that tackles climate change and the disappearance of bees.
Get your skates on – The Natural History Museum’s spectacular openair ice rink reopens today to mark the start of the festive season! Set against the backdrop of one of London’s most-loved landmarks, it’ll be decorated with thousands of dazzling fairy lights, as well as a 30ft Christmas tree. If you’re more Bambi-on-ice than Torvill and Dean, you can watch the skaters from the Café Bar’s balcony. nhmskating.com
29
Do you know your eyelash viper from your giraffe weevil? Put your animal knowledge to the test with I Saw It First! Jungle, a brilliantly illustrated game that challenges participants to spot particular creatures on the board. The hexagonal double-sided game features over 300 animals. £19.99, laurenceking.com Daylesford Organic
org/raceforthekids
24
If your little one loves getting hands-on in the kitchen, Daylesford Organic is hosting its Budding
BBC Race for the Kids
BEST AFTER-SCHOOL CLASSES CLUB PETIT PERRIOT
Held in various venues across the capital, this premier French club has been offering engaging programmes for the past 25 years. Ideal for children as young as eight months old, little ones learn the language via a range of activities, including arts,
music and movement. Run by French natives, sessions include parentand-toddler groups and drop-off classes. clubpetitperriot.co.uk
core skills as well as agility, balance and coordination. Tennis, cricket, and rugby are Club Petit Perriot
PLAYBALL
just some of the activities, with five age-appropriate stages to progress through. playballlondon.com
THE LITTLE LONDON MUSIC SCHOOL
Introduce your children to music with these fun sessions in Kensington, Knightsbridge and Notting
Ideal for children aged two to eight, this sports programme teaches
16
Hill. Focusing on classical music, kids learn by singing and clapping, before trying instruments as they develop confidence. The classes, which are tailored to children up to five years, are taught by classicallytrained music specialists. thelittlelondon musicschool.com
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
COMPETITION
WIN a kids’ party at KidZania London KidZania London is a child's paradise, and the perfect place to celebrate a birthday in style
WORTH
£875
H
ave you got a youngster’s birthday looming and want to throw a party to remember? Little London has teamed up with KidZania London – an indoor city run by kids – to offer one winner a fantastic four-hour Silver Package party, worth a whopping £875. Set to make your kids’ party exceptional, KidZania London is the perfect place for birthday bonanzas for those aged four to 14. Up to 15 kids will get to experience KidZania to the fullest, enjoying fast-track entry into KidZania and time to explore the activities, a
RightZKeeper’s visit worth £50 and a photo package (worth £130). Offering a stress-free party for parents too, KidZania will provide the room hire (worth £50) decked out to impress all party-goers, a party food menu where hot treats will be served as well as partyfood bags to keep the kids fuelled during their free play in the city, there will be party bags for all the guests, and of course, no birthday is complete without a delicious cake for everyone to enjoy – the birthday star will also bag themselves 150 kidZos to spend at the Airport Shop! L kidzania.co.uk
To enter, visit littlelondonmagazine.co.uk/competitions SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. COMPETITION CLOSES 11.59PM ON 1 NOVEMBER 2018. T&CS. COMPETITION PRIZE CONSISTS OF A FOUR HOURS SILVER PACKAGE AT KIDZANIA LONDON TO THE VALUE OF £ 875. THIS PRIZE MUST BE REDEEMED BETWEEN 2 NOVEMBER 2018 – 31 OCTOBER 2019. TO REDEEM, WINNER WILL NEED TO CONTACT THE KIDZANIA BIRTHDAYS TEAM AT BIRTHDAYS @ KIDZANIA.CO.UK QUOTING “LITTLE LONDON COMPETITION” WHEN BOOKING THEIR PARTY. THE WINNER MAY PURCHASE ADD-ONS TO THIS PACKAGE AT THE STANDARD PRICE ADVISED BY THE KIDZANIA BIRTHDAYS TEAM.
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
17
ARE YOU CHICKENPOX AWARE? Chickenpox can be unpleasant for your child, but there may be ways you can help them feel better. Do you know how to care for chickenpox at home? To find out more, visit chickenpoxaware.co.uk This is an MSD website with more information on chickenpox.
This advert has been written, produced and distributed by the pharmaceutical company MSD. Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited, Hertford Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, EN11 9BU Registered in England No. 820771 VACC-1260188-0006
Date of preparation: July 2018
little loves…
ILLUSTRATOR ROSE BLAKE’S QUIRKY SKETCHES BRING THE BOOK TO LIFE
Illustrator Rose Blake’s quirky sketches bring the book to life
A WHOLE LOT OF HISTORY Where better to start an art education than with a living master? David Hockney – whose 2017 retrospective was Tate Britain’s most visited exhibition ever – teams up with critic Martin Gayford for A History of Pictures for Children, which takes young readers on a charmingly narrated journey through the history of art. It’s sure to inspire little ones to pick up a paintbrush! £14.95, THAMESANDHUDSON.CO.UK
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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SHOPPING
PUFFA COAT £89 COSSTORES.COM
DUNGAREE DRESS £75 WILDANDGORGEOUS.CO.UK
COTTON AND WOOL MIX SWEATER £94 STELLAMCCARTNEY.COM
DR MARTENS BOOTS £70 SCHUH.CO.UK
TWILL TROUSERS €68 TINYCOTTONS.COM
BURBERRY BACKPACK £450 CHILDRENSALON.COM
OEUF NYC WOOL CROWN £44 SMALLABLE.COM
BOMBER JACKET £45 CATHKIDSTON.CO.UK
IL GUFO DUFFLE COAT £320 HARRODS.COM
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HAIR CLIP SET £10 RACHELRILEY.CO.UK
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MERINO WOOL SWEATER £113 CARAMEL-SHOP.CO.UK
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GUCCI SKIRT £440 ALEXANDALEXA.COM
Fall for ward CARTON LAMP £153 BONPOINT.COM
Keep kids cosy while maintaining their playground cool credentials with these stylish autumn buys
COTTON SHIRT £49 RACHELRILEY.CO.UK
ZHOE & TOBIAH FAUX FUR JACKET £53 SMALLABLE.COM
CHLOÉ DRESS £145 MELIJOE.COM
WOOL JACKET £195 OWAYURIKA.COM
TERRY SOCKS €15 BOBOCHOSES.COM
SEQUIN JUMPER £85 WILDANDGORGEOUS.CO.UK
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Help relieve the symptoms of chickenpox with Care ViraSoothe Provides cooling relief to the skin, helps reduce scratching and can be used on the face and body. For more information on this and other products in the Care range of family remedies visit www.allthecareyouneed.co.uk
Helps break the itch, scratch infection cycle
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POINTELLE LEGGINGS £39 BRORA.COM
DOODLE TRAINERS £59 KURTGEIGER.COM
LOUISE MISHA DRESS £75 MABELCHILD.CO.UK
PALM BEACH DUNGAREES £37 JIGSAW-ONLINE.COM
FENDI KIDS BOMBER JACKET £570 FARFETCH.COM
VELVET JEANS £28 CATHKIDSTON.COM
COTTON T-SHIRT £14.99 SLEEEP-NO-MORE.COM
MAYORAL PLAYSUIT £34 CHILDRENSALON.COM
COTTON T-SHIRT £32 VILDHOUSEOFLITTLE.COM
KALINKA COLLAR £53 SCANDIMINI.COM
JEUNE PREMIER SCHOOLBAG £116 SMALLABLE.COM
PERSONALISED BRACELET £29 MERCIMAMANBOUTIQUE.COM
THE ANIMALS OBSERVATORY SHIRT £102 ALEXANDALEXA.COM
COTTON-MIX SWEATER £85 RACHELRILEY.CO.UK
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BONTON PENCIL CASE £16 SMALLABLE.COM
CORDUROY SKIRT £48 LACOQUETAKIDS.COM
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MINI RODINI BACKPACK £59 ALEXANDALEXA.COM
FROM A SELECTION MARNI.COM
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ADVERTORIAL
BACK TO BOOKS
As we welcome a new academic year, it’s time to spruce up the bookshelf with the latest reads from Simon & Schuster
Dave’s lively story is a lighthearted reminder of the importance of kindness − e en towards monsters
ING COMOBER O CT
DAVE THE LONELY MONSTER
Anna Kemp and Sara Ogilvie Once upon a time in a retirement cave, lived a lonely monster. His name was Dave. Discover the importance of kindness in this lighthearted and funny picture book, and remember, Monstrous beasts have feelings too!
ILLUSTRATIONS: COPYRIGHT © 2018 SARA OGILVIE
GRANDMA BIRD
Benji Davies A tender and heart-warming new story from the world of The Storm Whale. Join Noi as he stays with Grandma for the summer and gets swept up in the dramatic rescue of some sea birds that will mark COMIN OCTOB G the beginning of ER a touching new friendship.
IT ALL BEGAN WHEN I SAID YES DADDY HAIRDO
Francis Martin and Claire Powell Amy’s hair is out of control and only one ’do will do: a Daddy Hairdo! Her dad comes up with out of this world styles, and soon everyone wants one of his hairdos. This is a hilarious tale for anyone who has had a tangled head of hair!
Simon Philip and Annabel Tempest Sometimes saying yes is a brilliant thing. You can meet new people, discover amazing things, and go on exciting adventures … but sometimes a Gorilla called Gideon shows up on your doorstep. A brilliantly funny book about what happens when you say yes.
WIN your very own book bundle!
You could win all four of these books. Simply enter online at littlelondonmagazine.co.uk/competitions. Plus, if you love books, sign up to The Book Den at bookden.tumblr.com – the dedicated newsletter and platform from Simon & Schuster Children’s Books. Find out more at simonandschuster.co.uk
25
INTERVIEW Weekends are family time
Rochelle and Marvin still make an effort to have date nights
MICKEY MOUSE PINAFORE DRESS £16.99 ZARA.COM On the set of Ninja Warriors UK
Rochelle loves the high street for kids’ clothes
Haliborange’s children’s supplements are a tasty way to ensure your kids get the vitamins they need STRAWBERRY FLAVOUR MULTIVITAMIN SOFTIES £5.49 BOOTS.COM
With her band, The Saturdays
The Humes have enjoyed thissummer in their garden
WOODEN KITCHEN £318.75 MUDKITCHENS.CO.UK
Rochelle has a Saturday afternoon slot on Heart FM
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
INTERVIEW
My Little London
ROCHELLE HUMES THE SINGER AND PRESENTER TURNED CHILDREN’S AUTHOR AND MUM OF TWO TALKS FUSSY EATING AND FAMILY LIFE Rochelle reveals that managing a work-life balance with her family of four is a case of taking it week by week
I’ll have a bath or something. To be honest, whatever I’m doing, it’s just nice to be doing it alone for a bit!
Where do you call home?
We live about an hour outside of London, but I’m always in and out of town for work. And when Alaia-Mae [five] isn’t at school, during the summer holidays or over a weekend for example, we love coming into the city as a family to enjoy the parks and the sights.
INTERVIEW: DANIELLE WILKINS. PHOTOGRAPHY: INSTAGRAM.COM/ROCHELLEHUMES; GETTY IMAGES/NICK HARVEY/WIREIMAGE
How have you been spending the school holidays with the kids?
Day to day it varies a lot! Thanks to the good weather this summer we’ve spent a lot of time in the garden at home and we love going to the local trampoline park – it’s Alaia’s new obsession at the moment, which is great for me because it means she’s burning off loads of excess energy! You’ve spoken quite openly about Alaia-Mae’s fussy eating habits throughout your collaboration with children’s vitamin brand Haliborange – how have you managed to overcome that over the last year or so?
I often find that the less attention I pay to it, the better really. I think as parents, sometimes we can make the situation worse by fussing over it. That said, there’ll always be hurdles. My one-year-old, Valentina, on the other hand, is fussier about how she eats at the moment. She doesn’t like to be fed, she prefers to feed herself. If it’s in a bowl she doesn’t want it, but if it’s on the side of her highchair she’ll happily demolish it. She’s developed these particular ways all of a sudden… Do you get to spend much family time in the kitchen?
Alaia likes to help me a lot in the kitchen, LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Do you and Marvin ever get to enjoy date nights together?
which is great because I know it’s encouraging her to experiment and learn about the origins of her food – so perfect for helping her through that fussy phase. She’s got a cute little stool which she stands on to help unpack the shopping. Dare we ask, who’s the best cook?
Ha, I’d have to say me! Thankfully I love doing it anyway. One year on after your second daughter was born, how are you managing that work-life balance as a family of four?
It’s all we know now, so I think you just learn to adapt. Marvin and I will sit down every Sunday and plan out our working week, and who will be where. We tend to take things week by week but having that time together on the weekends is key. It’ll always be a juggling act but we make it work. Do you manage to carve out much time for yourself?
The girls will go to bed between 7pm and 7.30pm, and once they’re off, that becomes my time. Mind you, I say that, it also becomes the time when I get to finish all the little jobs that I’ve been needing to do all day, like answering emails. But if I’m trying to relax, 27
We always try to make a thing of date night, though naturally we don’t get to do it nearly as often as we used to. Where do you enjoy clothes shopping for your girls?
I’m a huge fan of the high street – kids grow so quickly and during term time, Alaia spends most of the week in her school uniform anyway! The high street has some amazing stuff out there at the moment, Zara Kids in particular has some nice bits, and I like H&M and Next. I’ll always go somewhere fancier for a special occasion. Can you tell us about any other projects that you have coming up later this year?
I’ll be bringing out a children’s book in the spring, which I’m really excited about, and it’s set to tie in with a kids’ range of skin and curly haircare products I’m bringing out too. My daughters were the inspiration behind it – it was about encouraging them, and young girls like them, to embrace their individuality and the things that make them beautiful. The aim is to show young children that everyone is different and I feel so lucky to be able to do that with this book. L This autumn, Rochelle is supporting Haliborange, the UK’s no.1 kids’ vitamin brand. For more information, visit haliborange.com
BOOKS
2-4 YEARS
5-7 YEARS
8-10 YEARS
I Do Not Like Books Anymore!
The Book Of Comparisons
BY DAISY HIRST
BY CLIVE GIFFORD AND PAUL BOSTON
Humanatomy How the Body Works
A wonderfully observant picture book, ideal for sharing with children learning to read. Natalie gets to grips with the challenge of deciphering written words.
Prepare to never look at the world the same way again, after reading this fact-filled book. Inquisitive minds will be entertained for hours.
Get under the skin of the human body and its systems with this interactive read.
£11.99 • Walker Books
£14.99 • Ivy Kids
£14.99 • 360 Degrees
What a Wonderful Word
My First Book of Quantum Physics
BY SALLY DENG
BY NICOLA EDWARDS AND LUISA URIBE
BY NICOLA EDWARDS, GEORGE ERMOS AND JEM MAYBANK
Skyward
This beautifully illustrated book celebrates world culture with a delightful collection of untranslatable words from across the globe.
A stylish look at Quantum theory, and the physicists behind great discoveries.
A book to make young history fans’ spirits soaret in 1927, three fiercely brave young women take to the skies during World War Two.
£12.99 • 360 Degrees
£12.99 • Button Books
£14.99 • Flying Eye Books
How Does My Home Work?
Art Masterclass With Van Gogh
BY CHRIS BUTTERWORTH AND
BY HANNAH KONOLA
People of Peace 40 Inspiring Icons
LUCIA GAGGIOTTI
Go on a fascinating journey – with bold illustrations –under the surface of your home to learn how its appliances work.
Ever wondered how Van Gogh created his works of art? Learn more about the world-renowned artist before creating your own masterpiece.
Inspire future leaders, diplomats, artists and dreamers to choose their hero or become one with this must-have book.
£10.99 • Walker Books
£9.99 • Wide Eyed Editions
£9.99 • Wide Eyed Editions
BY SHEDDAD KAID-SALAH FERRÓN AND EDUARD ALTARRIBA
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BY SANDRINE MIRZA AND LE DUO
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
INTERACTIVE
Brick Building 101 BY COURTNEY SANCHEZ
Get your kids enthused in key subjects using Lego-inspired projects. Make everything from boats to slime! Perfect for engageing brains over the holidays. £9.99 • Walker Foster Jr
Brain Lab for Kids BY ERIC H CHUDLER PHD
52 mind-blowing neuroscience experiments for kids and adults alike. Motivate, inspire and collaborate to learn how amazing our brains are.
ILLUSTRATION: MY FIRST BOOK OF QUANTUM PHYSICS, EDUARD ALTARRIBA
£12.99 • Quarry
My First Piano Book BY GENEVIEVE HELSBY AND JASON CHAPMAN
With two CDs and accompanying online resources, this easy-to-use guide is the perfect introduction to the piano and a lifelong love of music. £7.99 • Naxos Books
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Brain trainers EXPAND YOUR CHILD’S MIND WITH THESE READS FROM EMMA O’DONOVAN
LOOPED EARRINGS £12.99 ZARA.COM
GET THE LOOK
LINEN BLAZER £69 MARKSANDSPENCER.COM
I N S TA I N S P O
@candicebrathwaite We catch up with the blogger, influencer and Make Motherhood Diverse co-founder and mother of two
KNITTED SWEATER £20 TUCLOTHING. SAINSBURYS.CO.UK
C
LEATHER PURSE £39 JOHNLEWIS.COM
Why did you start blogging about motherhood?
It was simply out of frustration. It was hard to find online spaces discussing the nuances of being a black British mother, so I decided to start writing myself. Why does Instagram work so well as a platform?
I love how you can build a community or following around something you love. Social media has meant that the power is back in the hands of the people, so big conglomerates now have to reach out to those who have built trust with their consumer base. Alongside your blog, you also run Make Motherhood Diverse, tell us about this.
Make Motherhood Diverse
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is an online platform which celebrates all mothers. A little like Humans of New York, we present a place where mothers can share their narrative without it being edited. The seed for MMD was planted because I saw black British mothers were being left out of the parenthood narrative. Who do you like to follow on social media?
So many! @LatonyaYvette. She’s a black woman raising two kids and writing a book in a wonderful Brooklyn apartment. She’s like me in an alternate universe! And @manrepeller OBVIOUSLY! @thebigcandme is a wonderful woman with such a positive attitude. What’s next for you?
I’m finishing the proposal for my first book, scouting venues so my Instagram show can go live quarterly, raising two kids and striving to be the UK’s first black female billionaire. You know, small stuff! L
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
PHOTOGRAPHY: POOKSANDGOOKSPHOTOGRAPHY
locking up an impressive 25,000-strong following on Instagram, it’s fair to say that presenter and writer Candice Brathwaite knows how to connect with people.
© Twigseeds Pty Ltd (Australia) 2016
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big day
out
PHOTOGRAPHY: LEONIE FREEMAN STYLING: ALICE TIMMS HAIR & MAKE-UP: HESTER VAN OVERBEEK AT ERA MANAGEMENT
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TIFFY WEARS HOODIE, £32, SMALL STORIES. CORDUROY DRESS, £25, ARKET. KNITTED HAT, £40, VELVETEEN. SOCKS, £6, BRAVELING. LEATHER MARY JANE SHOES, FROM £72, YOUNG SOLES. UMBRELLA, STYLIST’S OWN.
BRAXTON WEARS COTTON SWEATER, £42.50, MAIN STORY. SHORTS, £32, MAIN STORY. SOCKS, £5.99, H&M. TRAINERS, £34, CONVERSE. BAG, £60, GOODORDERING. PRESLEY WEARS JACKET, £79, BILLYBANDIT. T-SHIRT, £15, COS. TROUSERS, £53, NOÉ & ZOË. TRAINERS, £38, VANS.
With thanks to: Models: Braxton, Kiara, Presley, Tiffy. Model agencies: Bruce and Brown, Grace and Galor, Ray & Robin. Location: Dreamland, Margate.
BRAXTON WEARS COTTON SWEATER, £42.50, MAIN STORY. COTTON SHORTS, £32, MAIN STORY. SOCKS, £5.99, H&M. TRAINERS, £34, CONVERSE. BAG, £60, GOODORDERING.
Sh o p the
SHOOT
Embrace all the fun of the fairground with characterful casuals in vibrant shades and prints
COMPILED BY: CHLOË COLLYER
Classic leather T-bar shoes will add a retro twist to your little one’s a big-day-out look
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: VELCRO STRAP SHOES, FROM £14 NEXT.CO.UK. COTTON SWEATER, £14 OUTFITFASHION.COM. COTTON DENIM JACKET, £35.99 MANGO.COM. CORDUROY PINAFORE, £16.50 VERTBAUDET.CO.UK. LEATHER SHOES, £36 CLARKS.COM. CHINO SHORTS, FROM £8 NEXT.CO.UK. COTTON-MIX T-SHIRT, £26, SCAMPANDDUDE. COM. KNITTED SWEATER, FROM £12, MARKSANDSPENCER.COM. DR MARTENS BACKPACK, £40, JOHNLEWIS.COM. COTTON-MIX LEGGINGS, £9.99, ZARA.COM.
INTERVIEW
Julia and Daniel have managed to maintain a rare amount of privacy despite living in Hollywood
Making
motherhood work
SHE’S SPENT OVER HALF HER LIFE IN THE SPOTLIGHT, BUT OSCAR WINNER JULIA ROBERTS KNOWS NOTHING QUITE COMPARES TO HAVING A FAMILY. KAREN ANN OVERTON FINDS OUT MORE
W
hen George and Amal Clooney were expecting their twins – Ella and Alexander finally arrived amid a flurry of secrecy and speculation in June of last year – Julia Roberts revealed to Ellen DeGeneres that while she had offered the couple advice, she believed they didn’t need any “from [me] or anyone else”! She added: “Also, nobody’s there with you at three in the morning when you’re just going, ‘What am I doing? Where did they come from, and when are they going?’”. As a longtime friend of the Hollywood heartthrob, whom she first worked with back in 2004 on Ocean’s 11, Roberts is more qualified than most to comment on the Clooneys’ parenting acumen. And as the Julia and George Clooney mother of twins, 13-year-old are longtime friends Hazel and Phinnaeus, along with Henry, 10, the actress knows a thing or two about the joys, fears and tears that come with raising two children who arrive at once. Given her illustrious career and bona-fide status as a megawatt movie star, you would forgive Roberts if she were somewhat boastful or exaggerating about LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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the perils and pitfalls of balancing motherhood with work; but just like many of her onscreen personas, the luminous 50-yearold is warm, self-deprecating and surprisingly humble. “I’m not a great representative of the group of working women who have to find that balance,” she admits. “I have a job where the working hours are flexible and I can bring my kids to work. But I also like being at home. I think it’s great to be able to prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner.” Roberts and husband of 15 years cinematographer, Daniel Moder, may have decided to settle their brood in the heart of Tinseltown, but the actress insists great care has been to taken “to live as quietly and with as much privacy as we can”, with an emphasis on instilling in their children an appreciation of the simple things in life, away from the very obvious trappings of what their parents’ millionaire lifestyle has provided. “We’ve taught them that it’s not necessarily normal to grow up with all the luxuries they have had. As parents, we try to lead by example. We show them what love and affection means how to be a good and compassionate listener,” she says. Such compassion would have been vital when preparing for last year’s role in Wonder, based on the bestselling novel by R.J. Palacio. A charming feel-good story about how a young boy stands up to constant bullying, Roberts delivers one of the finest performances of her career as a deeply caring mother.
INTERVIEW
I’m not a great representative of the group of working women who have to find that balance
working a full-time job and raising four children (her parents divorced when Roberts was an infant, with Betty Lou going on to marry an abusive man whom Roberts ‘feared and despised’) that there was little time to talk of feelings or have deep conversations around the dinner table. It’s a malady the Pretty Woman star has managed to remedy in her own home. “Now, with my husband and kids, we do have the luxury of a family dinner where a lot of things come up, negative and positive, of what people are going through in the Julia played a deeply day,” she says brightly. caring mother in Wonder “And so far we haven’t had any incident that would require, ‘mum, dad, can you come in here so I can talk to you about something’. It’s good just to let your kids know that they can talk to you about anything without judgement or that quick response of ‘what? I’m calling the principal’. They want to just talk and not have it be emotional.” 46
Enviably, Roberts appears to have struck the ideal balance: knowing when to revel in her downtime, and when to seize and fully embrace a juicy film role, even if one definitely takes precedence over the other. “I’m lucky to have a wonderful home and family life and I’m very happy to spend as much as I can being at home and looking after my family,” she says warmly. “I also like being able to take a long time between movies to enjoy real life. I need to be able to relax and enjoy basic pleasures like reading and long walks. That is real life; stuff that happens in films isn’t.” Roberts may have reached her half-century, but it seems unlikely that the stunning icon will find herself short of roles anytime in the near future. Not that she minds; she’s more than content with her lot. “I’m very grateful. I feel I’ve been spoiled by life. I feel I’ve been so fortunate, particularly with my husband and kids,” she says, before flashing that famous smile. “I’ve also had the kind of job that you dream about as a child, and I want my children to dream now too.” L LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
FAMEFLYNET.UK.COM / SPLASHNEWS.COM; REX IMAGES/KM PRESS GROUP/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK
The film centres around the world of Auggie Pullman (Jacob Tremblay, the young actor best known for his work in Room), a 10-year-old youth suffering from a genetic condition that has seen him undergo surgery 27 times to correct facial deformities, as well as improve his sight and hearing. His parents Isabel and Nate (Roberts and Owen Wilson) have home-schooled until this point in his life to spare him from inevitable bullying and mocking that a regular school environment would entail. But now Auggie he has turned 10, his parents believe it’s the right time to send him to a mainstream school. He maintains great faith in life despite the ordeal of being teased and taunted, and Roberts plays the anxiously supportive mother without indulging in excess sentimentality. “The film’s basically a wonderful and gentle reminder that we should look for more ways to be a little nicer and more patient in life,” she explains. “We always have the option to choose to be kinder and take a nicer approach to how we deal with things rather than being sarcastic or negative in our outlook and attitude. I think the movie allows us to see how we can choose to be a little more positive and sweeter.” Reflecting on her own childhood, Robert grows suddenly sombre, recalling how her own mother, Betty Lou, was spread so thin
PHOTOGRAPHY: JOHN LEE; GETTY IMAGES/ AURENT KOFFEL/GAMMA-RAPHO; REX IMAGES/ NEIL RASMUS/BFA.COM/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK;
Julia and her husband have raised their children with an appreciation of the simpler things in life
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child’s hearing, with as many as one in eight kids suffering from permanent hearing loss. And it’s no surprise to learn that this can lead to stress and trouble concentrating or sleeping. Hearing safety brand Alpine Hearing Protection, from the Netherlands, was founded in 1995 and is one of the very few manufacturers in the world with hearing protection as its core business. With a dedicated line for children, as a brand they’re committed to protecting youngsters’ hearing. Not only do the infant-specific products offer invaluable protection, they also provide rest for babies and improve concentration for older children at school or at home reading or doing homework – keeping distractions at bay. This means young ones can go about and enjoy childhood with no damaging effect. L Available at pharmacies and alpinehearingprotection.co.uk
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ALPINE MUFFY EARMUFFS Two years plus. £19.95 These earmuffs not only protect childrens’ sensitive hearing, they also improve concentration while reading or studying at school or at home. The headband is adjustable in size, providing a perfect fit and making them last for years.
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Halloween Spider Jelly
2
1
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SERVES: 6 (depending on mould size)
INGREDIENTS: • 5 x 12g gelatin leaves • 1pt fruit juice (not from concentrate) • Handful of mixed fruit • 8 x 16g packs of Fruit Bowl Peelers • Individual jelly moulds • Edible eyes Take a quarter of the fruit juice and gently heat in a pan with the gelatin leaves. Stir until dissolved. Once dissolved, slowly add the remaining fruit juice and stir. Take the moulds and place the fruit in the bottom. Pour the juice mix into the mould. Wait until cool, cover and place in the fridge overnight. Just before serving, turn out the jellies onto a plate. Peel your peelers so you have 8 strips for each jelly. Push each strip into the jelly (4 on each side). Add two eyes onto the top of the jelly to complete your spider.
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Look the par t…
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SKELETON CRACKERS (PACK OF SIX) £17.99 PARTYPIECES.CO.UK
REMOTE CONTROL TARANTULA £25 JOHNLEWIS.COM
For more fun recipes to do with your little ones, visit fruit-bowl.com
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CONFETTI POPPERS £3.95 BUBBLEGUMBALLOONS.CO.UK
PARTIES
PA R T Y T I M E W I T H
Carole Middleton
Brilliant balloons
Guests big and small will love getting crafty with this Meri Meri DIY balloon kit filled with crazy characters! £13.99 (pack of four) partypieces.co.uk
THE FINAL TOUCH
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Get set for a spooktacular celebration this autumn with these Fright Night ideas to recreate at home IF YOU’RE PLANNING ON GETTING THE CHILDREN ALL DRESSED UP THIS Halloween, you may as well celebrate the occasion with a fun-filled party to match! And there are lots of ideas you can do at home to inspire your young guests, from spooky decorations to tasty treats. Set the scene by decorating the space with carved-out pumpkins, drape cobwebs from doors and ceilings, and fill your home with lots of electric tealights. Hang a few ghostly piñatas and bat garlands above the food
MERI MERI HAIR SLIDES These adorable themed hair accessories will bring out your little one’s cute yet scary side! £7.99, partypieces.co.uk
spread to complete the look. When it comes to feeding the children, serve up seasonal favourites like toffee apples, chocolate-pumpkin cupcakes (drizzled marshmallow looks like a cobweb topping!) and a fruity blood-orange punch served with paper cups and straws. And finally, of course, the perfect way to end your party is with a costume competition. Give out prizes for the most creative, the scariest or the funniest. You could even make your own trophies! L
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As children Marina and Chiara often tried new things together, and the sisters have continued this pattern into motherhood
INTERVIEW
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LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
INTERVIEW
The sisters’ children go to the same school and are more like siblings than cousins
Sisteract
TEACHING ANTENATAL CLASSES, WRITING A BOOK AND NOW HOSTING A PODCAST – MARINA FOGLE AND DR CHIARA HUNT ARE PROVING INDISPENSABLE TO MOTHERS. MARTHA ALEXANDER TALKS TO THE SISTERS TO FIND OUT MORE PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG
I
t’s a brilliantly sunny day, fitting for my meeting with two women who personify brightness and enthusiasm. Marina Fogle and Dr Chiara Hunt are the sister act behind The Bump Class – a runaway success story which began in 2013 with antenatal tutorial groups and progressed to a roundly celebrated pregnancy manual of the same name. Now, with expectant mothers still attending South Kensington or Parsons Green classes in their droves, the sisters have added another string to their bow – hosting The Parent Hood, a podcast which tackles everything from mastitis and sleeping through the night to nits and sex education. The beauty of their professional partnership is not only that they’re siblings and therefore have a natural intimacy and rapport, but also because one is medically trained and
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the other isn’t. This dynamic means there isn’t a wall between listeners and experts, but the cosy feeling that as parents, we’re all in this together – but learning along the way! I meet the sisters at Marina’s house in West London – a mere stone’s throw from Chiara’s. Filled with beautiful furniture and luscious plants, it’s a chic, relaxed spot for our chat. Chiara’s Labrador puppy, Nero, even cosied up on my lap. I can see exactly why their classes are so popular; the women radiate a warmth which translates beautifully to podcasting. Prior to The Parent Hood, Marina had been listening to more and more podcasts (she cites Desert Island Discs as a favourite) and felt there was room at the table for her and Chiara. “It was the perfect medium,” she says of podcasting. “We have unique access to experts and can bring them in on the show. There’s a lot of time in parenthood when you’re busy but bored. I watched far too much daytime TV when I had Ludo and it was mind-numbing. I think a podcast allows parents to listen to something stimulating and useful. You need answers all the time and the internet is not always accurate or safe. Especially in forums.” They record it at Marina’s in a mobile booth, often on a Sunday night, wearing pyjamas with a glass of wine in hand. “This means we can be really reactive,” says Marina, explaining how quickly they’re able to respond to any news that might interest their listeners. Marina has appeared on TV on numerous occasions so she’s at home podcasting – bringing a light, easy feel to the episodes. She admits that she likes the imperfect nature of podcasts, where it isn’t faultlessly edited or executed all the time, believing listeners relate to a less polished experience. “I’d like it to be a conversation, not a script,” she says.
They listen to their own podcasts back, a process Marina describes as “tortuous” as she hates listening to her own voice but acknowledges that it’s important for improvement. So far they’ve covered topics such as teething and vaccinations, as well as welcoming celebrities such as Giovanna Fletcher and Marina’s explorer husband, Ben on to the show to share insight into their experiences of life with children. They manage to make even complex medical procedures and issues understandable and accessible for everyone. Nor do the sisters shy away from tackling difficult subject matter head-on. “We want to be honest and I believe in preparing women for the worst,” Marina says, citing postnatal depression, colic and sleeplessness as horrible shocks that can befall women. “It’s tough having a baby.” “Marina decides what we talk about and I talk about it,” smiles Chiara, explaining that during childhood Marina – older by 18 months – was the organised one “who’d always come up with ideas for shows to put on… not my forte”. They describe their childhood as idyllic – there’s talk of ponies, wide open spaces and freedom. “I don’t remember any pressure academically or in school, which is something I worry about for children now,” recalls Chiara. “I was probably the more adventurous of the two of us and because the age gap is small, we tended to do things for the first time together.” Marina agrees, and the pair confess that along with their younger sister, Olivia, there was a fair amount of fighting in their childhood household. “I think we drove our parents to distraction,” says Chiara. “However, we’re extremely close now which gives me hope when I see my children bickering.” Unsurprisingly, their children are all close. So close, in fact, that they have beds in each other’s homes and are more akin to siblings than cousins. Chiara says that mums shouldn’t try to be perfect
I think a podcast allows parents to listen to something stimulating and useful “We see each other the whole time,” says Chiara. “The children are at school together and usually spend three nights of the week together. On weekends, we’ll often go to my parents in the country where they have a ‘dormitory’ for all the cousins. They’re very free there and can explore, build fires, have camps and play in their tree house. They love it!” With their rewarding careers, gorgeous children and ability to live a village life within a big city, both are examples of ‘have it all’ mums, spinning lots of plates. Do the plates ever fall? “The plates are always falling,” says Chiara. “That’s what makes it fun! You have to laugh about it when it happens. This morning I woke up to the puppy barking. There was poo everywhere. I mean everywhere! After 20 minutes spent clearing it up, my daughter didn’t want to get out of bed – aged five! We hadn’t done any homework all week, so I try to get it done this morning. I get my son’s spellings out and realise his test was yesterday and he hadn’t even looked at it. Oops. We’re too late to walk to school so I bundle everyone into the car. I’m working all day and have a late meeting, so won’t be home for bedtime tonight. This upsets my son, so there were tears.” It’s a relief to hear that other mothers have to deal with incontinent pets and feelings of guilt too. But both women are passionate about empowering mothers – making them confident and happy. This is the backbone of their classes, their book and now their podcast. “We want to be honest,” says Marina. “On Instagram, mums aren’t getting that, they’re just seeing curated lives and people back in their skinny jeans a week after giving birth.” Chiara agrees: “Don’t try to be perfect. It doesn’t exist!” Hear, hear! L 52
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S E L B B U BIG B ! S E L B U NO TRO TH E REVO LUTI ON IS CO M IN G. BATH RO OM . AN D IT ’S HE AD IN G FOR YOUR
dy was h is packed w ith bo d an ir ha r ou e us ca be Th at ’s an ks to love ly th d, an s nt ie ed gr in d ve ri natu rally de eo us to o. esse ntial oi ls, sm ells go rg ’s ev en su itable It ’s so mi ld an d ge nt le , it pr on e skin . fo r se ns iti ve or ecze maee bath ti mes, So if yo u want w or ry- fr revolu tion . jo in th e ch ildr en of th e ch ilds farm .com
NEW!
WALL TALES Escape to a world of magical adventure with the latest wallpaper design from Hibou Home. The Castles & Dragons illustration features handpainted figures in shades of inky blue and bold teal, with fearsome dragons, howling wolves, brave knights and mountain landscapes – sure to inspire many a bedtime story. £59.50 per roll, hibouhome.com
interior MEASURE UP Lovestruck Interiors has collaborated with eco-friendly paint brand Paint The Town Green to create a limited edition range of kids’ height charts. The ruler design is available in either metric or imperial measurements – or you can opt for both – and comes in four pastel shades. It can be personalised with up to 35 characters, too. From £149, lovestruckinteriors.com
NEWS
Stylish updates and inspiring finds to make your house a home
GROUND RULES
Online store Made + Good sources brands based on the quality and longevity of their products
MADE WITH LOVE Shop from a host of UK-based independent designers at new online marketplace, Made + Good. There’s a dedicated section for kids, featuring stylish brands such as Sally Nencini, House of Clouds and Myla & Oscar, and a 15 per cent donation is made to a selected charity with every purchase. madeandgood.com
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Chic playmat alert! Suitable from birth, Toddlekind mats come in two patterns and fit together like puzzle pieces, so you can build a mat of any size. Made from premium EVA foam, they’re great for exercise too. toddlekind.com
CREATIVITY
get CRAFTY
LEONORA BAMFORD AND NANNY ANITA ARE SEEING OUT THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS WITH PLENTY OF EDUCATIONAL FUN
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can hardly believe it’s already the start of the school year. The summer seems to have passed so quickly but the children are definitely ready for the term ahead and have been excited about seeing all their friends. My daughter has been more excited about a new pencil case and scented pencils! I’ve been researching educational apps this month and we’ve been loving Math Fight 2 Player and Comic Life 3 where the children can play against each other ‒ they love doing sums now, it’s genius! I have to admit, I never learned my times tables properly, so it’s hard for me to motivate the children to do theirs! Anita has helped out by creating this amazing game that we’ve all been playing ‒ it’s well worth trying. And in keeping with the back-to-school theme, Anita has made these brilliant book marks to entice eager (and not so eager) readers. L
I love this adorable circus shelf from my favourite American online retailer, which ships to the UK. UP! WARSAW SHELF £102.01, THETOT.COM
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CREATIVITY
BOOK WORM BOOKMARK You will need: • Paper • pens • scissors Method • Draw a worm shape onto your paper and cut it out. • Then it’s time to decorate your worm. Use a mix of colours and patterns to make it stand out.
OUR HANDS ON BASE AT HORNIMAN Anita and I are desperate to get to The Horniman Public Museum. Its Hands on Base gallery is open on Saturdays mornings until the end of September. Kids can join in on fun sessions that will be exploring different themes every week, but using objects from its fantastic handling collection. Themes include animals, costumes, masks, music and toys to name just a few. horniman.ac.uk
TASTY AUTUMN SOUP You will need: • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 medium red onion, chopped • 2 cloves of garlic • 1 tsp of chopped ginger • 1 litre of stock (chicken works well) • Any seasonal vegetables such as parsnip, butternut squash, carrots
PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG; ISTOCK
Method • Heat olive oil, add red onion,
chopped garlic and ginger over a medium heat. • Add a selection of chopped seasonal vegetables in 1cm cubes. • Stir over a medium heat for 5 minutes, before adding 1 litre of any stock, making sure that it covers all the vegetables. • Simmer for 20 minutes before blitzing with a hand blender. • Serve with a chunk of crusty bread.
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TIMES TABLE ARRAY You will need: Squared paper, pencil, two different coloured papers, scissors Method • Cut out 12 squares of each colour. • Number both sets 1 to 12. • To play, choose a square of each colour. These will be the numbers you multiply together. • On the squared paper, draw a box that covers the sum’s total. For example, if you had 5 x 6, you need to draw down 5 squares and along 6. The number of boxes it covers will be the answer.
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Kids will love the collection’s playful, colourful patterns
RUNNING HEAD
DINE ART Inject some fun into teatime with the new Alessini kids’ collection from Alessi. The range of cups, bowls, plates and cutlery combines functionality with childlike joy. Bold, playful patterns adorn clever kid-friendly design features, such as raised rims to avoid spillages, asymmetrical handles and rounded blades for safety. From £22, alessi.com
food
NEWS
The latest and greatest foodie finds for your mini diners
FILL YOUR BOWL Jordans has launched its first children’s cereal. Packaging features woodland creatures – The Grin-ola Gang – who encourage kids to play outside with nature facts and quizzes, as well as a half-price Wildlife Trust membership with each box. Choose from strawberry, banana, chocolate and apple & raspberry.£2.99, waitrose.com
LITTLE CHEF Steve Martin’s new book, Chef Academy: Are You Ready For The Challenge? provides budding cooks with kitchen skills. As well as information on menu plans and new foods, it contains fun games and stickers. £9.99, Ivy Kids
UDDERLY DELICOUS Great for growing bones, these flavoursome milkshakes from Shaken Udder Kids make for a healthy, tasty lunchtime treat for kids. Available in strawberry and chocolate, they’re also low in sugar and packed with essential nutrients and vitamins. From 80p per carton, shakenudder.com
Ella’s Kitchen has unveiled a new initiative encouraging kids to eat more vegetables. Veg Power, backed by Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, is a long-term commitment to improving early years nutrition through recipes, videos and campaigns. ellaskitchen.co.uk LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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FOOD
N O - S U GA R C H O C O L AT E O R A N G E E N E R GY BALL S ANNABEL K ARMEL shares her healthy twist on the chocolate truffle, a perfect treat for sweet-toothed little ones − minus the added sugar INGREDIENTS (MAKES 15-20 BALLS) • 160g pitted dates, chopped • 160g cashew nuts • 100g raisins • 2 tbsp cocoa powder • 1/2 tsp orange extract
Tailor your tru es to your hild’s taste with o oa owder ho olate s rin les or desi ated o onut oatings
TO COAT • cocoa powder • desiccated coconut • chocolate sprinkles Method 1 Put all of the ingredients in a food processor with 4 tablespoons of boiling water and blitz until the mixture is finely chopped and well blended. 2 Transfer the mixture to a bowl and shape it into 15–20 balls. 3 Roll the balls in cocoa powder, desiccated coconut or chocolate sprinkles, as you wish. Chill on a plate in the fridge for at least 1 hour to firm up before eating. 4 The balls will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
PHOTO CREDIT: CLARE WINFIELD.
Real Food Kids Will Love: Over 100 simple and delicious recipes for toddlers and up by Annabel Karmel is out now (Bluebird, £16.99/ £14.99 eBook)
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Bright berries such as strawberries o er an enormous boost to the immune system
The essential EIGHT OPTIMISE YOUR CHILD’S DIET BY ADDING THESE EVERYDAY SUPERFOODS, SAYS NUTRITIONIST LOUISE PYNE
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rom the moment your children go onto solids, right through to toddlerhood and beyond, they’ll form their own unique relationships with food. The foods they eat will not only fill them up, but fuel their bodies with the nutrients needed to keep their bones strong, grey matter healthy and energy levels high. There’s a whole host of superfoods which come with extraordinary health benefits. These unprocessed foods are overflowing with a combination of vitamins, minerals and extra goodies like antioxidants, which promote optimal health and wellbeing in your child. The good news is that they’re super-easy to sneak into even the fussiest of children’s diets for a daily hit of the good stuff, so we’ve cherrypicked eight of the most common superfoods and share our ways to upgrade meals with minimal effort required. Stock up on these hero bites to maximise your child’s health:
BERRIES Best for: Preventing colds Brightly-hued blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries are all full of antioxidants such as flavonoids, which help to boost the immune system so that it can effectively fight off invading bacteria and viruses. When picking berries, remember that the more intense the colour, the more nutrients it contains. How to eat: Whizz up a tasty berry smoothie. Blend a cup of milk with 2 tbsp of mixed frozen berries, half a banana and half a kiwi.
SALMON Best for: Enhancing brain health Your child’s brain is growing rapidly during his early years, and the right foods can improve memory, concentration and brain power. Oily fish such as salmon contains high levels of omega 3 fatty acids which help to improve cognitive performance. How to eat: Make your own healthy version of fish fingers. Cut a fillet of salmon into bitesized pieces, dip in a beaten egg and then coat in wholemeal breadcrumbs. Bake in the oven at 180ºC for 15-20 minutes or until golden.
SPINACH Best for: Stable energy levels There’s a good reason Popeye was such a fan of spinach! This dark green leafy veg is packed with iron, an essential mineral for growing children. Iron is a key component of red blood cells, and its job is to carry oxygen around your body. Low levels can bring on symptoms like fatigue, poor appetite and a lack of concentration when doing particular tasks. How to eat: Hide your child’s iron-rich spinach boost in a cheesy spinach pesto sauce. Combine a bag of steamed spinach with the zest and juice of half a lemon, 1 grated garlic clove, 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp pine nuts and 3 tbsp olive oil. Blend until very smooth and stir into cooked pasta.
ALMOND BUTTER Best for: Growing bones Dairy products aren’t the only way to help your child reach their daily calcium quota, 62
in fact almonds are also chock full of the bone-boosting mineral too. Whole nuts are a choking hazard until your child reaches five years old, so for little ones it’s better to give almonds in the form of smooth nut butter, which is essentially concentrated almonds in ground form. How to eat: For a delicious after-school snack, cut a banana lengthways and spread a thin layer of almond butter on top.
OATS Best for: Nixing a sweet tooth A bowl of porridge is the best way for your child to start his morning. Oats are a powerhouse of fibre and B vitamins, which together keep your child feeling full and energised. They’re a great source of complex carbohydrates, which help to balance blood sugar levels to provide a steady stream of energy to keep your child feeling full, which will stop them asking for sugary treats. LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Healthy & happy
Three ways to improve your child’s diet:
1 READ LABELS How to eat: Cook oats in milk, adding toppings such as grated apple and a pinch of cinnamon for a warming winter’s breakfast.
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
YOGHURT Best for: A well-functioning digestive tract Not only does a pot of yogurt contribute to a child’s daily calcium quota, giving them plain yoghurt will help to optimise gut health and minimise problems like diarrhoea and tummy ache. This is because yoghurt is rich in probiotics, which restore the balance of good bacteria that live in his digestive system. How to eat: Flavoured yoghurts usually contain added sugars, so ditch these for plain Greek yoghurt and liven up the taste with a few chopped strawberries or banana.
EDAMAME BEANS Best for: Healthy skin, hair and nails LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
So full of goodness, these little morsels will inject a hit of pure protein into your child’s day. Protein is one of the body’s vital building blocks and helps to keep their cells (which make up everything from his skin and hair to nails), functioning properly. How to eat: Separate the beans from the pods and cut in half for a healthy snack, or sneak some into pasta or rice-based dinners as the protein element of the dish.
CARROTS Best for: Healthy vision There’s a hint of truth to the old adage that carrots can help you see in the dark. The vegetable is rich in the antioxidant betacarotene which is needed to manufacture eyesight-boosting vitamin A. How to eat: This take on regular fries will please all little chip lovers! Simply cut one carrot into thin strips, douse in a little olive oil and then bake in the oven until soft. L 63
Get au fait with nutritional label lingo in order to make better food choices. In particular look at the sugar, salt and fat content and remember that ingredients are always listed in order of weight, so if the first few ingredients are things like sucrose, dextrose or glucose, the food is likely to be high in sugar.
2 SET UP A REWARD SYSTEM Offering your child rewards when they eat well is a good way to beat fussy eating habits. Set up a points system which allows your child to trade in points for fun after-school and weekend activities.
3 GET COOKING Encouraging your children into the kitchen to help make meals is a great way to inspire a healthy attitude to food. Stock up on cookery books and ask your child to pick out a recipe they’d like to make.
SPARKLING LAPLAND ADVENTURES! Dreaming of an unforgettable family holiday in a sparkling winter wonderland? It all starts here with Activities Abroad. With dog sledding adventures, reindeer sleigh rides, thrilling snowmobile safaris, Northern Lights hunts and exclusive meetings with Father Christmas; every single day will create magical family memories.
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AvailableRUNNING on all cruisesHEAD to Alaska, the rogramme o ers a s e ta ular insight to the state’s wildlife
WILD CHILD Give kids an Alaskan adventure to remember with the Global Explorers Kids Programme from National Geographic Expeditions. Led by certified naturalists on water and foot, they'll learn about the state’s wildlife. From €3,126 for six days, nationalgeographicexpeditions. co.uk
t ravel
NEWS
Keeping big and little globetrotters on the map and in the know
ADRIATIC ADVENTURE
HOTEL INSPECTORS Brown’s Hotel, the luxury hotel in the heart of Mayfair, has teamed up with children’s entertainers Sharky & George to turn stays into an adventure for the kids. At check in, little ones are invited to become a detective, with five mysteries to solve around the hotel. roccofortehotels.com
PACK UP The vintage-style See-ya suitcase from Olli Ella is made for trips of all sizes, with a retractable handle and an elastic tie around the front so teddy can come along for the journey too. £59, olliella.com
Activities Abroad’s adventurefilled Croatian break is ideal for energetic kids of eight years and over. Situated on the coast, Novigrad is a destination where they can try sea kayaking, cycle in national parks, or get adrenaline pumping with white-water rafting and a canoe safari. From £910 per week, activitiesabroad.com
Swap screen time for family time at the Country Kids resort in the south of France. Its new Wellbeing Series offers immersive experiences, including bug hunts, nature expeditions, and even a kids-only PJ party every Friday morning. From £3,950 for seven nights, country-kids.fr LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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RUNNING HEAD
Sardinia’s turquoise waters and white sands rival The Maldives’ beaches
POS TCAR D from
SARDINIA Actress TINA HOBLEY, husband Oli, and children Isabella, Olivia, and Orson get active at Forte Village WE’D NEVER STAYED IN A FAMILY RESORT BEFORE. In truth, the idea of buffets and itineraries filled us all with horror. And I’d even risked a family meltdown with the last-minute decision to leave the iPads behind. Praying that Forte Village’s reputation wasn’t too good to be true, we piled into the Land Rover and made for Gatwick. After a seamless transfer with views of Sardinia’s mountains, we swept down the resort’s drive, past an endless row of treeshaded tennis courts. Forte Village’s facilities were immediately impressive. After a warm welcome and swift tour, we were briefed on the Legends Sports Academy, where our two youngest will be trained each morning. By chance, our trip coincided with personal instruction from ex-rugby players Martin Johnson and Austin Healey. Next, we checked into our large, well-appointed bungalow, set amongst lush gardens. Early on the first day, we were whisked up to the Legends playing fields to drop Olivia off at netball and take Orson to rugby, where he joined a group discussing what their ‘animal’ names would be ‒ he was known Snow Wolf for the week.
Grown-up time was spent on the beach, with dips in the warm, turquoise water. We also tried out the Acquaforte Thalasso Spa, a rejuvenating series of thermal baths and mineral pools. With alleged magical healing properties, it made for an enjoyable interlude. Our little sporting heroes finished training just before midday, when we’d head for a cooldown swim at one of the family pools. Lunches were spent at the pizzeria or beachside grill ‒ its spaghetti vongole is world class. There are lots of dinner spots, but we were happiest at the buffet. The Forte Grill, to my son’s delight, serves a dinosaur-shaped chop called a Tomahawk. After a leisurely dinner, we’d go to the piazza for some entertainment, but we were all happily exhausted by 11pm. This was never going to be a relaxing break, but it was perfect. The kids never stopped smiling; they were always on the go, making friends, learning about sport and swimming in the pools. The iPads weren’t missed! L
Tina and Oli didn’t worry about set bedtimes for Olivia and Orson on holiday With a variety of family swimming pools, there’s plenty for kids of all ages to enjoy
From ¤945 per night, based on two adults and two children in a Deluxe Family Bungalow on a half-board basis. fortevillageresort.com
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TRAVEL
MOVING
MOUNTAINS
KATE FREUD, ALONG WITH HER HUSBAND JACK AND TWO CHILDREN JAGO, SIX AND GEORGIA, THREE, HEAD TO FLIMS IN SWITZERLAND FOR AN ACTION-PACKED SKI ADVENTURE
Nequundae que pro esecusda dolores
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A
s my bedside clock’s insufferable alarm screeches its 5.30am wake up call, I shudder for a second at the thought of rousing our two small children and getting them – and our copious luggage – to the airport. But, as it turns out, this proves the only low point in what becomes one of those magical family holidays that goes without a glitch. I needn’t have worried either about waking my children Jago and Georgia, who despite the unsociable hour are both so excited about skiing, they couldn’t be more delightful. By the time we – I say we, I really mean my husband Jack who traipses a grand total of eight bags through the airport – have everything safely checked in, it’s the start of a seamless journey. We’re travelling with Powder Byrne, a luxury travel company whose ski trips have become something of legend. They charter their own British Airways flights to Friedrichshafen in Southern Germany, before a short 90-minute coach ride over the
Kate, Jack and the kids enjoyed their spacious room
Swiss border to Flims. It means that from the moment you set foot on the plane you see the same friendly faces for the rest of the week, creating a great sense of community that we weren’t expecting. We’re met at the airport in Germany by a high-energy, enthusiastic Powder Byrne team, who put all our luggage on the coach, feed us in transit and take us to get our skis fitted as soon as we arrive, so that by the time we get to the Waldhaus Flims hotel, everything’s in place for the following day’s adventures. The Waldhaus is a hidden gem of a hotel that just screams old-school luxury from the moment you step inside. It’s grand but welcoming, and I’m ashamed to say, the kids are tearing around treating it like home in no time. We head to our room – a huge space with a super king for Jack and I, and a pull-out
It was a challenge getting daredevil Jago off the slopes
double sofa bed for the children, overlooking the stunning, snow-drenched pine forests surrounding the hotel. There’s a touch of Narnia about the place; a real sense of magic in the air. Our first port of call, along with our other weary travel companions is the hotel’s breathtaking spa which has not only a beautiful indoor pool ‒ essentially housed in a glass box on the snow ‒ but an outdoor pool, heated to 37 degrees, steaming in the hazy afternoon light. It’s such a welcome sight, proving the perfect antidote to a day’s travel, and the place where each day after skiing, we retreat en famille for a muscle-relaxing funfilled hour before supper. The next day we’re up early for breakfast, before dropping Jago off at the Yeti Ski School at 8.15am. All the children arrive suited and booted, before being given helmets and Powder Byrne bibs, and catching a short coach ride to the slopes. Thankfully Jago joins the group happily, as the instructors are high
The hotel’s indoor pool offers exceptional views of Flims’ snowy pine forests
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The e-star aldhaus lims is home to owder Byrne holidaying amilies or the wee
octane and fun from the off, clearly enjoying it as much as the kids do. It turns out in fact that Jago loves skiing so much, getting him off the slopes proves the problem. So each day after ski school, he’s collected by his dad and they ski for another hour together, returning to the hotel around 4pm. By the end of the week, he’s hurtling down blue and red runs, (what he lacks in finesse he makes up for with speed and fearlessness) while his proud parents looking on filled with a mixture of pride and terror. As I’m pregnant and unable to ski, the rest of my week basically hinges on whether Georgia likes the crèche and ski school or not. At three, I know that if she isn’t keen, I’ll feel too guilty to leave her (scuppering my plans for a peaceful child-free morning each day), so I’m over the moon when she trundles in without a backwards glance, makes countless friends and loves the Yeti Primer two-hour skiing session each day. Jack too merrily heads off with a Powder Byrne guided ski group of those with similar abilities to his own (and a similar love of vin rouge), and I find myself, by some kind of LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
miracle, sitting by the pool reading a book by 8.45am. I can’t quite believe my luck, when each morning after a swim, I head back to our room for a sleep, before collecting Georgia at 12pm. It’s probably the most R&R I’ve had since having children, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. And so it is that everyday unfolds in pretty much the same way, with Georgia and I going to meet Jack on the slopes for lunch on a couple of occasions. This, it turns out is only made possible by our Powder Byrne guide Sam, who has to escort us on the chair lifts each day to the restaurant, carrying a sleeping Georgia who’s exhausted herself with her morning’s ski. Without him, and me in my second trimester, I probably wouldn’t have made it further than the hotel reception, but this, I soon discover is what really sets the Powder Byrne experience apart. You’re allocated your own representative for the week, who takes care of restaurant bookings and feedback on how your kids are getting on in ski school but also goes above and beyond in a way unparalled by any other company I have skied with. Another mum for 71
example, was on her own with her two young children for the week. Parents were given time out of lessons and groups to ski with our youngsters one day, and she was unsure about how she’d manage both little ones by herself, Powder Byrne provided a guide for the day to join her and the children on the slopes, all included in the package. It’s a holiday aimed at making the whole family happy, so Flims, which is so childfriendly really does prove the perfect resort. We’re spoilt for choice with places to eat, a particular favourite for lunch is Waldhaus Flim’s own Italian restaurant Pomodoro, which does a great set meal deal and for some seriously good steak, La Vacca can’t be beaten. We also enjoy the Capalari Swiss restaurant in the mountains, all stripped pine and faux fur, and easy to access for Georgia and I whilst the boys skied down together. In the evenings we eat early with the children at one of the hotel’s four restaurants. Epoca is a fabulous treat for an evening meal, while the Il Tschaler fondue restaurant is a favourite with Jack and I, though the children are still deeply dubious about all that melted cheese, and The Grand does a fabulous buffet that proves to be our go-to for most of the week because of its varied menu. As we all pile into bed at 8.30 each night, happily exhausted (Jack and I to watch something on the iPad), I can honestly say it’s a holiday like no other. To know that your children are having the time of their lives – whilst we parents, guilt-free, also get to enjoy a little me time – is a rare thing, and for that alone, it’s worth every penny. L Prices from £2,669 per person on a b&b basis, including flights and transfers. powderbyrne.com
Hawkesdown House School
For Boys & Girls aged 3 to 11 years
OPEN MORNING Thursday 20th September 2018 9.15 am or 10.15 am.
Open Morning: Friday, 28th September 2018
Please telephone the School to register for a place.
Headmaster’s Welcome at 9.30am To register please email office@parkside-school.co.uk
27 Edge Street, Kensington, London W8 7PN Telephone: 0207 727 9090 Email: admin@hawkesdown.co.uk www.hawkesdown.co.uk
Built on Tradition – Embracing the Future
Open Morning dates: Wednesday 8th February Wednesday 24th May
OPEN MORNING DATES 2018: open 9.30) Wed 17th (Doors October • Tue 30th October (9:30am – 11:00 am Doors Open at 9:20am)
LYNDHURST HOUSE
Preparatory and Pre-Preparatory School 24 Lyndhurst Gardens, Hampstead, London NW3 5NW Telephone: 0207 435 4936 Email: office@lyndhursthouse.co.uk www.lyndhursthouse.co.uk 72
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EDUCATION Did you know? One Mr. Men and Little Miss book is sold every 2.5 seconds worldwide, with lifetime sales now at a massive 250 million books. From Mr. Tickle to Little Miss Sunshine, there are more than 90 characters. Which is your favourite?
T H G I R B YO U N G T HIN GS An essential guide to your child’s education
T H I S T E R M ’ S M U S T - H AV E S …
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EDUCATION BREATHE EASY
PREPARING FOR THE NEXT STEP Researching schools
If you want to know more about schooling and want to plan for the future, check out our sister title, The Guide to Independent Schools. Published twice a year, this is essential reading for parents looking to continue their child’s educational journey within the independent school sector. The guide covers each stage of the school career, from nursery to sixth form, and includes a comprehensive directory of independent schools across the United Kingdom as well as expert advice to help you make the right educational decisions for your child’s future.
ORDER THE LATEST ISSUE NOW! Visit chelseamagazines. com/independentschool-parent or call 020 7349 3700. The Guide to Independent Schools is also available for just £5.95 in selected supermarkets and all good newsagents.
Over 3,000 primary schools in polluted areas of London will take part in the CHILL study from next year, to measure how improved air quality impacts children’s lungs. Annual health checks will be carried out on 1,500 pupils for the four-year study, testing lung size and function,as well as how often asthma attacks are experienced. qmul.ac.uk/chill
education
NEWS
Everything you need to know about what’s going on in and out of the classroom
JOIN THE CLUB
LIGHT BITES
Healthy lunch snacks can be a hard sell, but Boka’s cereal bars are nutritious yet tasty. Low in sugar, fat, and salt, choose from apple & cinnamon, caramel, strawberry, and choco mallow. £2.50 per pack, bokafood.co.uk
A youth club for eight to 13 year olds launches in Putney this autumn, with a programme of scavenger hunts, karaoke, table tennis and more. The club, which will run on Friday and Saturdays evenings, will also teach survival and life skills, while giving parents child-free time. £500 per year, purpledragonplay.com
DAD SCIENCE Parents plagued by cries of “I’m bored” will rejoice at Sergei Urban’s first book. The stay-athome dad, who has a socialmedia following of more than 3 million fans, has written The Dad Lab, which comprises 40 experiments that promote STEM skills. £14.99, bonnierbooks.com
Over three quarters of children still enjoy reading for fun, a new study has shown. Research from OnBuy.com also found that Roald Dahl and JK Rowling novels remain widely read by most children.
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EDUCATION
TEAM SPIRIT
Could encouraging children to take up team sports be the key to positive mental health? BECK Y DICKINSON finds out
O
n a crisp February morning, a throng of primary school children tear around a playing field, rosy cheeked and muddy kneed, seemingly oblivious to the chill factor. A referee springs up and down besides the pitch, whistle at the ready. At first glance, this could be mistaken for a regular PE lesson. But these children aren’t just working on their ball skills, they’re also developing the kind of mental resilience that could play a key role in their future wellbeing.
These nine and 10 year olds are taking part in a rugby skills game run by the Harlequins Foundation ‒ the first professional rugby union club to sign the Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation. Last year, the club launched METTLE, a flagship campaign aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues and supporting young people. The initiative involves going into primary schools in the boroughs of Richmond, Kingston, and Hounslow and putting a new spin on team sports. Paul Wilson, Harlequins
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Foundation Manager says: “the programme has a series of aims that we deliver over a 10-week period. These include: educating young people on mental resilience, equipping them with the psychological tools they need to set goals and cope with challenging times, encouraging youngsters to think and behave in an increasingly positive manner, develop their communication skills and to teach them that it’s OK to talk about their feelings.” By the end of the 2017-2018 season, more than 2,000 children will have benefited from LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Team sports can help kids make friends, as well as develop social and leadership skills
HOW TO ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO TAKE UP TEAM SPORTS Introduce children to a wide range of sports, including non-traditional activities, until they find one that’s right for them. Set an example ‒ parents need to model what being active looks like. Start them young ‒ it’s never too early to have fun with a ball. Be an active family ‒ children who have a base level of fitness will find taking part in team sports easier and more enjoyable.
PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK. WORDS: BECKY DICKINSON.
Offer to support your local school or club ‒ teachers and coaches often need extra volunteers.
sessions run by specially trained Harlequins coaches. Unlike those dreaded survival-ofthe-fittest PE lessons you might remember from childhood, these sessions are based primarily around problem solving rather than ball skills, and are designed to encourage kids to work together as a team and support others. “After the outdoor skills, we run a classroom session that gives the kids the chance to reflect on how they felt during the task,” adds Paul. “Stressed? Under pressure? Challenged? We then discuss the different day-to-day situations where we might experience these emotions, and how they can be dealt with in an effective way.” And as growing up becomes ever more laden with the combined pressures of school, social media and the outside world, anything that can provide children with effective coping strategies can only be welcomed. LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Mental health issues affect one in four people in the UK and it’s well documented that sport can play an important role, not just in physical fitness, but in our mental wellbeing too. This seems to be especially true for team sports, and recent research from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) found that young people taking part in team sports reported feeling more satisfied with their lives overall, boosting long-term happiness. Sport England’s Director of Sport, Phil Smith, says: “doing any sport or physical activity is great for kids. Team sports offer something extra, as they can help a child to develop friendships, leadership and social skills as well as the physical and mental benefits of being active.” Besides teaching children how to throw, kick, shoot or score, team sports can also
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foster an an aptitude for cooperation and negotiation ‒ along with the ability to deal with wins and losses. Then there are the huge psychological benefits, including feelings of belonging, camaraderie and social identity. Lisa Fathers is the head of teaching school, The Alliance for Learning and a national trainer with Mental Health First Aid England. As a former PE teacher, she believes physical activities are just as important as the rest of the curriculum. “Children need to learn how to balance and throw a ball just as much as learning to read. There are life skills that children learn through sport, and in my opinion, it can save lives ‒ particularly for children whose families don’t give them the sense of ‘team’ they might get out on the netball court or football pitch.” And while not all children are naturally sporty, Lisa advises parents to introduce children to all kinds of physical activities as early as possible, until they find one they connect with. She also says it’s essential that schools cater for pupils of all sporting abilities. “The first thing is to make sure that schools and families are active, so that physical literacy is there as a base line and team sports are accessible. For example, many schools have introduced The Daily Mile, and from this they have more pupils trying out for team sports. Schools can also have A, B AND C teams so that its really inclusive.” Whether it’s rugby, or cheerleading, it’s hard to underestimate the psychological and social benefits that come from being part of a team. What’s more, it seems clear that those benefits aren’t just confined to the playing field; they can have a lasting impact throughout childhood and beyond. As parents, it’s impossible to completely safeguard our children’s future mental health. However, keeping them active from an early age and giving them the opportunity to try out different team sports could provide an added layer of protection as they navigate their way through life. By the end of the Harlequins session, the children are both mentally and physically invigorated. The hope is that by the end of the course, they’ll be better equipped to face the mental and physical challenges they encounter in the future. And unlike the grass stains, that’s something that won’t come out in the wash. L
Bocketts Farm Park 20th - 28th October 2018
WIZARDS &
WITCHES WEEK ENJOY A SPOOKTACULAR DAY OUT!
ISYOURCHILD FUTUREREADY?
Wizards Magician Show
Hundreds of Pumpkins
Creepy Crafts Witches Quiz Trail
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Reptile Roadshow! Encounter awesome creepy crawlies and reptiles up close!
> OCTOBERHALFTERM&WINTERBREAK
PLUS: A HEATED INDOOR PLAYBARN! PLENTY OF FUN, WHATEVER THE WEATHER!
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EDUCATION
There could be many reasons why a child is struggling with a task or avoiding work
OUT OF FOCUS
Does your child find it hard to concentrate? It could be just a phase, but what can you do if it’s more? GEORGINA BLASKEY finds out
W
e all have days when we feel a bit scatty, adults included, but if a child appears to have an ongoing battle with concentration, how do we know if it’s simply a phase or an underlying issue? It can be hard to understand why a child is finding it hard to work on tasks in the classroom when they’re able to see tasks of their choosing through from start to finish. I’ve heard parents say, “He can focus on video games or Lego for hours, but can’t focus on his schoolwork for more than two minutes!” It’s important to try and understand what is going on in their brains, so we don’t become frustrated or dismiss a child as being lazy or disruptive. LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
DIET TIPS THAT MAY HELP IMPROVE CONCENTRATION • Reduce sugar intake ‒ There’s so much hidden sugar in our food so even if you give them fruit juice and a cereal bar, that could be have the equivalent sugar of a chocolate bar.
• Avoid processed food ‒ Some preservatives are toxic to a child’s nervous system, so try and buy fresh food and prepare most family meals and school lunches from scratch.
• Increase raw food intake ‒ The enzymes in raw foods assist the digestive system in absorbing nutrients, so ensure they have the essential vitamins, minerals and fatty acids needed for brain function.
• Increase water intake ‒ If someone is dehydrated, they’ll feel tired and find it harder to focus as a result. Keep their levels up throughout the day, by ensuring that they drink plenty of water at home and school.
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EDUCATION
HOW TO HELP KIDS WITH ADHD CONCENTRATE Sit them down away from the door, window and corridor.
While video games or Lego require little energy because children find them interesting and undemanding, a maths lesson requires much more effort on the child’s part. Initially, it’s important to determine whether your child is struggling with an academic task because of a learning block, such as dyslexia, which may lead to avoidance of certain work. If any issues like that have been discounted, it’s time to consider whether your child may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It’s likely that you as a parent might have wondered if your child’s concentration levels seem low, and your child’s teacher may well have alerted you to some of their observations. When a parent and teacher both notice certain traits, it’s time to seek further diagnosis. Struggling to concentrate, having too much energy, becoming easily distracted or not being able to easily control behaviour are some of the symptoms of ADHD. Dr Sinead Rhodes, who has spent 20 years researching ADHD, has found that it’s a complex problem. “My research has shown that children with ADHD have problems with memory and organising themselves. This can make following their teacher’s instructions very challenging, which can affect their ability to tackle an academic task. They may be more
Sit them near the teacher and away from resources not in use. Sit them near a student with good study and attention skills. Reduce expectations of seated work, and only put one or two activities on each page. Avoid unnecessary pictures or visual stimuli that may distract. Ensure that there’s some white space on each page and give short breaks between tasks. Use alternative technology, e.g. a computer, iPad or tablet. Allow stretching exercises midway through a task. Ensure their homework diary is being used for planning. Shorten homework assignments (bonus points for doing more).
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disinhibited in their peer group, find it hard to take turns and interrupt conversations, which can affect their friendships.” It may be difficult to determine what is typical and what isn’t, but getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be done through your GP. They’ll refer your child to an expert, such as a psychiatrist or specialist paediatrician, who wil work with you to find out the best way to help. Medication, behavioural therapy, counselling, family meetings and special educational support can all help. Dr Rhodes’s research into medication such as Ritalin has demonstrated that of the children who take it, 70 per cent report significant, positive affects. “The short-term results show improved cognition and behaviour. However, research indicates that for many children, medication is only one part of the picture, and multiple treatments or interventions to target the range of problems they face is best for the child.” Many families may choose not to use medication at all. There are alternative strategies for use in the classroom and home to help improve concentration. Harnessing technology can be a wonderful way to help your child too. Using a digital watch with an alarm to remind them to attend their music lesson or get ready for football can help with organisational skills, while electronic calendars can aid older kids. Setting academic tasks on a computer or iPad can inspire learning – look at Mathletics, Sum Dog, Linguascope and Readtheory. These websites use visual aids to represent the task set, which can really help children with ADHD focus. ADHD is a complex condition, in which the child can have several of a group of symptoms, some of which could be present due to another condition. However, early identification so that treatment (whether behavioural, psychological or medication) can be started is vital, so that the child is able to achieve their full potential. L
FURTHER INFORMATION addiss.co.uk - information and support for families with ADHD To read more of Dr Rhodes’s research on ADHA, visit researchtheheadlines. org and search for ‘Sinead Rhodes’
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PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK; SHUTTERSTOCK
When it comes to treating ADHD, there are many treatments and interventions
Open Day
Saturday, 22 September 2018 8.30am - 1.00pm
Forest School encourages outstanding academic progress and personal development, offering single-sex teaching in a co-educational environment for girls and boys aged 4-18yrs. Forest is a city school on the edge of North London with 30 acres of grounds. Forest - Where People Grow 0208 520 1744 | admissions@forest.org.uk | www.forest.org.uk
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EDUCATION
T H E S TAT E O F P L AY Ditch screen time in favour of classic games to help catapult your child’s development
BEST FOR... SHARING One For Me, One For You
It’s not uncommon for children to struggle with the concept of sharing, but once you start to introduce sharing games into a playtime routine, over time they’ll come round to the idea that giving and receiving makes playing more fun. ‘These games help to introduce children to the concept of sharing (a skill which develops from the age of four years onwards) and also help to increase
social, emotional and behavioural skills,” explains Dr Day. One For You, One For Me is a great game to introduce the idea of sharing and patience. Distribute objects like crayons or building blocks between you and your child, or children. As the objects are handed out and put into assigned containers, say things like ‘now it’s mummy’s turn,’ or ‘this one’s for you,’ to get them used to the idea that in order to play the game, they have to share cooperatively. Once all the objects have been divided out it’s time to do an activity ‒ draw a picture or play building blocks using all the pieces you’ve collected. Top tip: Kids are particularly territorial when it comes to sharing food. Next time they have a friend around, try playing the game at snack time. Place a plate of his favourite fruit, chopped up on a plate in the middle of the table and help divide the pieces up equally, praising each child for their patience and (hopefully) willingness to share.
BEST FOR… CRITICAL THINKING An obstacle course
What child doesn’t like to work their way through an obstacle race? All that crawling, climbing and hurdling whilst getting sweaty is a surefire way to put a smile on any child’s face. “Obstacle courses are great fun and timing the race is a way to introduce how the passage of time feels, and if can they beat their best time. This way the competition is about them and not others. Each time they fall or fail it nurtures reliance to finish to the end,” says learning difficulties therapist Usha Patel, (ravivpracticelondon.co.uk). Obstacle courses give children the chance to build critical thinking by having to decide on
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how best to navigate the obstacles. Set up an obstacle course in your garden or living room and then focus on a whole range of different activities that challenge different physical skills: crawling through tunnels, jumping through hoops and balancing on one leg while following a straight line will all also help to promote motor development. Top tip: Creating a tightrope at home with masking tape is a really versatile activity for children to practice a range of skills. You can create both linear and zig-zag lines to really challenge your child’s motor skills. Get them to follow the line on their tip toes, jump or hop along the line or even doing twists or little backwards jumps. They’ll love it!
BEST FOR… LEARNING PATIENCE Simon Says
Simon Says is a classic game that’s all about listening, watching and paying attention to commands. “This may seem straight forward, but for a child to wait and listen to what Simon says is a valuable skill in paying complete attention. The combined skills of listening, being patient, and observing for non-verbal cues is also sure way to build leadership skills at any age,’ explains Usha. Call out instructions like ‘Simon says stick out your tongue,’ or ‘Simon says touch your nose,’ and see how well your child can follow commands. Once they’ve grasped the concept that they should only follow the command when the magic words ‘Simon says’ are used, this game will also teach him body awareness and the importance of his senses. Top tip: Once you’ve shown him the ropes, speed up the tempo at which you call out instructions. This will test his listening skills even further and guarantee lots of laughs! L LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK. WORDS: LOUISE PYNE.
T
raditional games are more than just a pastime for little ones. Play-based learning helps to enhance brain development and teaches many valuable lifelong skills. According to research by OnePoll, over half of kids aged two to three years regularly use iPads and tablets, and for 66 per cent of children aged between four and six, playtime largely revolves around swiping a screen. And whilst there are some benefits to today’s tech-savvy tots, if you’re looking to limit your child’s screen-time quota, there’s plenty of ways you can use classic games to encourage active learning. Children have an extraordinary capacity to learn, and they communicate with their hands, body movements and facial expressions from birth. “The fact that the brain doubles in volume by the end of a child’s first year and reaches 80 per cent of adult volume at the end of the third year and 90 per cent by age five, reinforces this,” believes Dr Lin Day, early years development expert and coFounder of Baby Sensory and Toddler Sense (babysensory.com). This means that learning through play is super-important in overall development. Here are our top play-based learning games to help your child excel.
EDUCATION BEST FOR… CREATIVITY Hide and Seek
Children of all ages love to play Hide and Seek. This game helps to fine-tune so many different skills, from thinking innovatively and using imagination to making practical and strategic responses. ‘When children start to play games like Hide and Seek, they need to think creativity as to where to hide, and if they’re seeking someone, they’re learning the idea that if they can’t find their friend in the kitchen, bathroom or bedroom could mean they’re in the garden. The thought processes of elimination and drawing conclusions are the early seeds of critical thinking,’ says Usha. Hide and Seek promotes numerical skills too, and to make the game that little bit more challenging, get children to count backwards. This will require a greater level of focus and cognitive demand from them. Top tip: The other way to play Hide and Seek is called Sardines and best played in a group. One player hides and the other children go hunting for him. Each time a hunter finds a player he then hides with him. “The idea of children being packed in like sardines means they all have to cooperate in keeping their hiding place secret. This cooperation is so important and fosters team building and social interaction,” continues Usha.
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WHAT’S ON
AG E N DA
MARTHA ALEX ANDER reveals what’s going on in the capital
PHOTOGRAPHY: CHISWICK HOUSE DOG SHOW; GARETH GARDNER
CHISWICK HOUSE DOG SHOW 2018 Sunday 23 September, 11am to 4.15pm. If your little ones have a soft spot for four-legged friends, the Chiswick House Dog Show is an absolute must. The show aims to celebrate all canines – including mongrels and mutts – with 18 fun categories including Naughtiest Dog and Best Veteran. This year’s theme is ‘Circus 250’, to celebrate 250 years since London‘s first circus. Admission: Free.
LEST WE FORGET
ONBL ACKHEATH
MINI EXPLORERS
Sunday 2 September, 11am to 1.30pm, 2pm to 4pm. Did you know that many moons ago, sailors would take mementoes of their loved ones with them on long journeys? Now, youngsters of all ages are invited to create their own mementoes as part of this dropin session, to celebrate something or someone important to them.
Saturday 8 to Sunday 9 September. Food, music and art are on the menu for both days at OnBlackheath, which will see headliners such as Paloma Faith, Squeeze and De La Soul take to the main stage. In the family playground, you’ll find yoga sessions, storytelling and flying seagulls to keep children busy, and there’s even a traditional fairground on site, too.
Friday 28 September to Friday 19 October. These 45-minute workshops encourage children aged six months and three years to expand their imaginations using creative play, movement, songs and stories. Youngsters will also have access to props and toys that help to improve their numeracy, literacy and social skills.
Admission: From £10.
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon,
Admission: Free.
Admission: £28 for four classes.
Chiswick House and Gardens,
National Maritime Museum, Park
London, W4 3ES
Row, London SE10 9NF
Blackheath, London SE3
London SW19 1SB
chiswickhousedogshow.org.uk
rmg.co.uk
onblackheath.com
polkatheatre.com
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WHAT’S ON
THE AMAZ ING HALLOWEEN EXPERIENCE Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 October, 3.30pm to 9.45pm. The highlight of this spooky experience is almost definitely the subterranean narrowboat ride along the capital’s Islington Tunnel. Families will be scared silly with stories told by the resident witch, and children also will receive sweets and glow sticks on board. Dressing up is greatly encouraged, too!
Admission: Adults, from £11; children, from £8.50.
African Market
AFRICAN MARKET Saturday 1 September, 10am to 7pm. Immerse yourself in a day of African culture at this vibrant market in Camden Town, where you’ll find live entertainment, authentic cuisine and traditional fashion and craft. There’s face painting for little ones, too, with a variety of traditional African designs and safari animals for them to choose from. Admission: Free.
Camden Lock Place, Camden Market NW1 8AF
OPEN HOUSE FAMILIES Saturday 22 to Sunday 23 September. Families will gain behind-thescenes access to some of London’s most famous and recognisable landmarks as part of this year’s Open House Weekend. With a programme of over 800 buildings, walks, talks, tours and child-friendly activities, the event enables youngsters to better understand the capital, its incredible architecture and what really makes a city.
MAGIC CARPET STORY TELLING Sunday 2 September, 10.30am, 11:30am, 12.30pm. This brilliant activity at London’s National Gallery gives young children the opportunity to learn all about art. Children begin by flying away on a magic carpet, before landing in front of one of the gallery’s famous paintings. From there, they’ll learn about and share their thoughts on whichever painting is presented before them. Suitable for children aged two to five years. Admission: Free.
London Canal Museum, 12-13 New
National Gallery, Trafalgar Square,
Wharf Road, London N1 9RT
London WC2N 5DN
canalmuseum.org.uk
nationalgallery.org.uk
TALES FROM THE SHED
RICHMOND PARK OPEN DAY
Friday 7 September to Saturday 27 October, times vary. These vibrant and interactive theatre shows are noisy, engaging and perfect for little ones. With colourful puppetry and live songs, small children will become immersed in a variety of different stories featuring a cast of much-loved characters.
Sunday 23 September. This wonderful family event invites visitors of all ages to explore one of the capital’s most glorious green spaces. Learn about and meet the people who take care of the park, meet the park’s shire horses, enjoy car and machinery displays and have a go at a variety of fun arts and crafts activities, too. This year’s event also has an intriguing World War I twist.
Admission: £6; babies under six months go free. Chickenshed, 290 Chase Side, London N14 4PE chickenshed.org.uk
Admission: Free.
Richmond Park, London TW10 5HS royalparks.org.uk
RAVER TOTS
PEARLY KINGS AND QUEENS HARVEST FESTIVAL
Saturday 27 October, 11am and 1:30pm. Part of the Festival of Film and led by Albert’s Band, these concerts are designed for children of all ages. Young audiences will be taken through an hour-long history of jazz music featured on the big screen, journeying all the way to New Orleans and beyond.
Saturday 1 September, 2pm to 4pm. This is one for all former party animals who are now parents; a rave where little ones are not only welcome, but encouraged! Aside from the dancefloor, which will see revellers of all ages stomping to music from some of the UK’s most famous DJs, there’s also face painting and giant parachutes, bubbles and balloons. A percentage of all profits will go to charities that support children with autism and ADHD.
Admission: Free.
Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore,
from £6.
Guildhall Yard, Gresham Street,
Queen’s Park, London NW10
London, SW7 2AP
39 Parry Street, London SW8 1RT
London EC2V 7HH
qpark.org.uk
royalalberthall.com
ravertots.co.uk
pearlysociety.co.uk
openthegate.org.uk
Admission: Free.
Venues across London
QUEEN’S PARK DAY Sunday 16 September, 12pm to 5pm. Food stalls, live entertainment and games are the order of the day at this annual celebration of one of London’s best-loved parks. Special highlights include the Blue Falcons gymnastics display and a tug-of-war tournament, and with something for everyone, the entire day promises to bring together an already close-knit and bustling community.
openhouselondon.org.uk
JAZ Z FOR KIDS
Admission: Adults, £12; children, £6.
Admission: Adults, from £9; children,
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Sunday 16 September, 1:30pm. A truly unique London celebration, this event sees the capital’s Pearly Kings and Queens come together in their shiny extravagant outfits for the biggest event in their calendar. There’ll be a thanksgiving service at St Mary Le Bow Church, as well as Morris and maypole dancing, marching bands and plenty of colourful characters. Admission: Free.
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WHAT’S ON
Polka Theatre
FUN PAL ACES
HALLOWEEN FAMILY RAVE
Saturday 6 October, 10am to 4pm. This celebration of art, culture and science will see the Half Moon Theatre transform into a glorious palace bursting with colour and liveliness. Throughout the building and garden, visitors can find pop-up performances, art and craft workshops and plenty of delicious treats on which to feast.
Saturday 27 October, 2pm to 4.30pm. Prepare to be completely spooked at this Halloween extravaganza, which welcomes children and adults for an afternoon of unbridled raving. There’ll also be face-painting stands, balloons, bubble machines and plenty of tasty treats to keep your little ones happy when they aren’t throwing shapes.
Admission: Free.
Half Moon Theatre, 43 White Horse Road, London E1 0ND
THE GINGERBREAD MAN Wednesday 24 to Friday 28 October, performance times vary. Ideal for children aged three and over, this delightful one-hour show follows the adventures of a very brave biscuit who everyone finds irresistibly delicious. With the help of expert puppetry and brilliant music, audiences will be treated to a stellar performance of this much-loved classic tale. Admission: £13.50; babies under 12 months go free. Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB polkatheatre.com
halfmoon.org.uk
HARVEST STOMP 2018
Admission: Adults, £10; children, £20, under-threes go free.
Fire & Lightbox, Vauxhall, London
Burlington Danes Academy, White
bigfishlittlefishevents.co.uk
City, London W12 0EA eventbrite.co.uk
Saturday 1 to Sunday 30 September. This month-long festival pays tribute to the great river that runs through our capital. Families can expect a creative and diverse programme events – from boat trips to subterranean music concerts – with one of this year’s highlights taking place at the Cutty Sark, where children can build their own tall ship and test it out on the water (Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 September).
YOUR TOYS
Admission: Prices vary.
Jackson’s Lane Theatre, 269a
London E20
Venues across London
Archway Road, London N6 5AA
queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk
totallythames.org
jacksonslane.org.uk
Sunday 23 September. To celebrate the end of summer and the bounty of autumn’s harvest, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is welcoming families for a fun day of eating, playing and general merriment. Expect traditional games, craft stalls and a range of performances, comedy and entertainment. There’ll also be a feast of locally produced food and drink to try, too. Admission: Free.
Saturday 20 October to Monday 22 April 2019. Developed in collaboration with children, this major exhibition is the first of its kind at the museum to focus on fictional pirates and their influence on popular culture. Visitors will travel from windswept beaches to tropical islands, where they’ll meet and discover swashbuckling pirates and troves of glittering treasure along the way. Highlights include the first painting of Captain Pugwash and an original illustrated costume design for Captain Hook in the first production of Peter Pan in 1904.
Sunday 30 September, 12pm and 3pm. Can you imagine if all of your favourite toys got together and embarked on an epic adventure? This is exactly what happens in Your Toys, an ingenious puppetry performance for children aged between four and nine. The show is full of surprises, and audience members are invited to bring their own toys along, too. Admission: £9.95.
Harvest Stomp
Admission: Free.
V&A Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA vam.ac.uk
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Sunday 2 September, 12pm to 6pm. Get ready for an afternoon of colourful carnage at this wonderfully messy family festival. The event encourages children from age two to 12 to get imaginative with paint, foam and inflatable toys, without worrying about clearing up afterwards! There’s a bar and food stalls available on site all day, too.
Admission: Adults, £7; children, £5.
TOTALLY THAMES
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park,
A PIRATE’S LIFE FOR ME
MES S FEST 18
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WHAT’S ON
Unicorn Theatre
Natural History Museum
MOUTH OPEN, STORY JUMP OUT Tuesday 18 September to Saturday 27 October. This superb one-man show by spoken-word artist Polarbear showcases one man’s aptitude as a professional storyteller and make-believer. The stories he spins about snakes, assassins and the like are all born from one moment, when his father disappears. Sad and funny, this 50-minute show is perfect for children aged eight and over. Admission: From £10.
DAWNOSAURS Sunday 21 October, 8am to 10am. This early-morning event invites children on the autistic spectrum to enjoy the Natural History Museum before it opens its doors to the noisy, bustling crowds. There’s a wide-ranging programme of activities on offer, and visitors will also get the chance to see, meet and even touch live animals. Natural History Museum, Cromwell
London SE1 2HZ
Road, London SW7 5BD
unicorntheatre.com
nhm.ac.uk
MICHAEL JACKSON ON THE WALL
DROP - IN DESIGN
Until Sunday 21 October. Perfect for older children, this brilliant collection showcases how music legend Michael Jackson influenced artists including Andy Warhol and Grayson Perry. Hailed as the exhibition of the year, On The Wall is engaging, insightful and not to be missed.
Sundays in September, 10.30am to 5pm. Little artists will love these creative drop-in sessions at the V&A. Each child will receive a specific design brief, which they must then spend the rest of the day creating, using the museum’s own collections as inspiration. Briefs include protest placards and sensory ceramics.
National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s
Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell
Place, London WC2H 0HE
Road, London SW7 2RL
npg.org.uk
vam.ac.uk
Admission: From £15.50.
THE ADVENTURES OF CURIOUS GANZ
Saturday 1 to Saturday 29 September, performance times vary. Suitable for older children, this interpretation of Lorca’s masterpiece takes place on the brilliant Puppet Theatre Barge, which has been hosting plays and performances for over 30 years. From the moment audience members walk the gangplank onto the vessel, they will be immersed in a beautiful, original piece of theatre.
Friday 1 to Sunday 21 October, performance times vary. This immersive theatre show tells the tale of Ganz, a curious explorer who loves to investigate. But when his discoveries come to the attention of Queen Lizzy the First, things start to take a turn for the weird and wonderful. Ideal for children aged seven and over, this is a wonderful story told through table-top puppetry and music.
Admission: Adults, £13; children, £9.
Little Angel Studios, Sebbon Street
Puppet Theatre Barge, Petersham
Community Centre, London N1 2EH
Road, Richmond TW10 6UT
littleangeltheatre.com
Admission: Adults, £14; children, £12.
puppetbarge.com
REGENT’S PARK RUN
Admission: Free.
Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street,
THE BUT TERFLY’S SPELL
SIYANDA AT TEMPERATE HOUSE
Saturday 8 September. Choose either a 5k or 10k race and take part as a family (although children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult), walking or running through one of London’s most beautiful parks – perhaps you’ll even get a peek of a giraffe in the nearby zoo. Everyone who finishes will receive a medal.
Saturday 20 to Sunday 28 October. Meet Siyanda, a six-foot tall puppet who has one mission: to protect the world’s plants, by bringing to life the story of Kew Garden’s Temperate House. Visitors will be wowed by Siyanda’s incredible knowledge, which will be delivered as part of an entertaining performance.
Entry: Adults, £20; children, £10.
under-fours go free.
Regent’s Park, Chester Road,
Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond,
London NW1 4NR
London TW9 3AB
bhf.org.uk
kew.org
Admission: Adults, £16; children, £4;
Temperate House
Admission: Free.
National Gallery
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BOUTIQUES KIARA WEARS RUFFLE DRESS, £16, RIVER ISLAND. DENIM JACKET WITH FAUX FUR COLLAR, £255, CHLOÉ. COTTON-MIX TIGHTS, £35, VELVETEEN. LEATHER T-BAR SHOES, FROM £67, YOUNG SOLES. TIFFY WEARS HOODIE, £32, SMALL STORIES. CORDUROY DRESS, £25, ARKET. KNITTED HAT, £40, VELVETEEN. SOCKS, £6, BRAVELING. LEATHER MARY JANE SHOES, FROM £72, YOUNG SOLES.
MARIE-CHANTAL
BODEN
Founded by HRH Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece, this beautiful childrenswear label designs pieces using the most luxurious fabrics, from cotton to cashmere. Here you’ll find traditional clothing for girls, boys and babies from newborn up to 12 years old. The flagship store is situated in Notting Hill, and we defy you to leave this gorgeous boutique empty-handed!
Boden has been paving the way for timeless womenswear, menswear and childrenswear since its launch in 1991. The kids’ collections, Mini Boden and Baby Boden, are inspired by the best parts of childhood, with storytelling prints and colourful appliqué. The brand opened its flagship store on the King’s Road last year, with a whole floor dedicated to Mini and Baby Boden.
61 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, London W11 2AA mariechantal.co.uk
20-23 Duke of York Square, Chelsea, London SW3 4LY boden.co.uk
LA COQUETA
BONPOINT
Inspired by the childhood of founder and mother-of-five Celia Muňoz, La Coqueta’s collection channels the Spanish aesthetic to perfection. Pretty smock designs, ruffled collars, vintage-style frocks and delicate pointelle knits are given a contemporary twist with rich colours and modern prints. Shop here all year round for truly charming clothes to see them through the seasons.
Bonpoint has to be the haute couture of children’s fashion, with in-house design studios and stores all over the globe. Under the artistic direction of Christine Innamorato, each piece from the Parisian boutique is meticulously hand-crafted to exacting standards. Its clothing features signature detailing and unrivalled quality fabrics, catering for stylish boys and girls, from newborn to teenagers.
STOCKIST INFORMATION ARKET
ARKET.COM
BILLY BANDIT
HOUSEOFFRASER.COM
BILLIEBLUSH
HOUSEOFFRASER.COM
BRAVELING
BRAVELING.CO.UK
CASHMIRINO
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CHLOÉ
HARRODS.COM
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EMILE ET IDA
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H&M
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HELLO SIMONE
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NOE & ZOE BERLIN
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OEUF NYC
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RIVER ISLAND
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SMALL STORIES
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Stores in Hampstead, Notting Hill and Battersea lacoquetakids.com
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Stores across London bonpoint.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY: LEONIE FREEMAN
A LITTLE LOVELY COMPANY ALEXANDALEXA.COM
Kirsten loves weekends in the Columbia Road boutique
THE BUSINESS Kirsten Harris founder of
BOB & BLOSSOM The designer and boutique owner talks gifting and Sundays on vibrant Columbia Road How did Bob & Blossom come about?
What’s your design background?
What’s the best bit about your job?
I launched Bob & Blossom after the birth of my son Manny, whose middle name is Bob. Wanting to create a range of baby T-shirts that I could gift to my mummy friends, I approached my favourite stores to see if they’d stock them and they all loved them. I opened our shop on Columbia Road in 2004. A stockist told me she was coming to the end of her lease, so I said I’d take it on!
I trained and worked as a window dresser, and later took a degree in Fashion PR and Illustration. But when it comes to the business I’m learning as I go – not a conventional approach, but it seems to be working!
I love that every day is different. And working in the shop at the weekend still makes me happy, even after 14 years.
What inspired the name?
Bob & Blossom were my chosen baby names when I was pregnant.
What’s a typical day for you?
I started out with a small line of baby T-shirts, which has expanded into a range of clothing for children of up to six years old. It’s very much gift led: T-shirts and sweatshirts with slogans, fluffy tutus and spotty gift boxes. We’re now lucky enough to have worldwide stockists.
There’s no typical day, but Sundays are always pretty much the same as I work in the shop. I arrive at about 8ish, buy a bouquet of something pretty at the flower market, then grab a coffee and pastry from Pavilion Bakery. I open up for 9am and there’s usually a steady flow of customers throughout the day: sometimes it’s full of people and flowers! I’ll close at 3.30pm and head home.
What has been your proudest moment?
What makes Bob & Blossom different?
Meeting customers in the shop who come in wearing Bob & Blossom. I get such a proud mum feeling!
I like to think that our clothing isn’t fashionled or too grownup; you’re only little once! I try to stock products with a hint of nostalgia in the shop. We sell a lot of toy cars to grown men who say they’re buying them as gifts but I’m not so sure…
How has the business grown?
How do you juggle it all?
Now my son’s 18 it’s so much easier! I originally started Bob & Blossom so that I could work around parenting and be there for him. Accepting you can’t do everything is important ‒ as is having great staff to help! Bob & Blossom’s tutus − along with the birthday number T-shirts − are among the brand’s bestselling designs
What’s next in the pipeline?
This autumn we’re launching a range of children’s pyjamas for ages one to five years old. This is something customers are always asking for and I’m hoping will make great Christmas presents. L bobandblossom.co.uk
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REAL RIDERS NEED REAL BIKES
The new HOY range is now available to buy exclusively at Evans Cycles. Still the best fit for small riders, with easy-to-use controls and now lighter than ever. evanscycles.com
INSPIRATION - LEARNING - FUN
INSPIRATION - LEARNING - FUN - -FUN INSPIRATION - LEARNING INSPIRATION - LEARNING FUN
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